*EPF405 03/02/00
Barshefsky Says U.S. Withdrawal from WTO Unthinkable
(Says report provides ample support for WTO membership) (510)
By Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr.
Washington File Staff Writer

Washington -- U.S. Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky says it would be "unthinkable" for the United States to withdraw from the World Trade Organization (WTO).

"Were that to happen, it would be more than a missed opportunity; it would be a tragedy because the policies and achievements the WTO represents are so important not only to the United States but to the world," Barshefsky said.

Ambassador Barshefsky made the remarks March 2 at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies in Washington.

She also said China's accession into the WTO and proposed congressional approval of permanent Normal Trade Relations (NTR) status would do more than expand trade, but also support political reforms in China.

The Clinton administration transmitted to Congress March 2 its "2000 Trade Policy Agenda" and "1999 Annual Report of the President of the United States on the Trade Agreements Program."

This year's report contains a special report on the WTO required by the 1994 Uruguay Round Agreements Act, which created the WTO. The special report provides a comprehensive review of the WTO's record over five years.

U.S. Representative Ron Paul, a Texas Republican, introduced a resolution in Congress March 1 that begins a process requiring Congress to vote on whether the United States should withdraw from the WTO. The 1994 law authorizes special consideration by Congress of such legislation once every five years.

Under the law, the resolution is considered "privileged" -- which means no members of Congress can use tactics to stall or block Congress from voting on it.

Barshefsky, meeting with reporters after her speech, said she hoped the vote to continue WTO membership would not be too close. U.S. House Republican leaders have said they expect to defeat the Paul resolution, but only after a bitter debate.

"We'll be working with a number of members of Congress on this, and of course you have a 90-legislative day window, which is a lot of days," she said.

She said that the report released March 2 contains approximately 150 pages on the benefits of continued U.S. membership and starts the administration's campaign in Congress to defeat the resolution.

The administration has been making progress with Congress on the NTR vote for China, she also said.

"Congress has before it ample information on the basis of which to provide China permanent normal trade relations status," she said. "The timing on the vote will be discussed between the administration and Congress."

The president has already met with perhaps 50 or so members of Congress with a number of other meetings scheduled, she said. "And, I think that members have expressed a variety of thoughtful views on the issue. And many, many members are keeping very much an open mind."

(The Washington File is a product of the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Website: usinfo.state.gov)
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