Japan calls for ASEAN solidarity

Japan calls for ASEAN solidarity

TOKYO (AFP): Japan called Wednesday for Southeast Asia to join
hands with Tokyo at landmark global trade talks in Seattle,
predicting tough negotiations ahead on farm trade, officials
said.

Foreign Minister Yohei Kono sent the message to seven
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members --
Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia
and Myanmar.

They are the only ASEAN countries which are also members of
the World Trade Organization.

"The prosperity of Japan and ASEAN is closely linked to
effective operation of the multilateral trade system," Kono said
in the message, according a copy released by the foreign
ministry.

"Since we have to make our utmost effort for a success in the
ministerial meeting, we would like to call for further
cooperation with the ASEAN members," he said.

Kono is to attend the WTO talks, which begin in Seattle on
November 30, together with Japan's trade minister Takashi Fukuya.

The foreign minister sought Southeast Asian support for
Japan's campaign to protect agriculture.

"As for agriculture, some (WTO) member countries are calling
for a framework designed to make negotiations in advance," said
the foreign minister.

"That makes preparation procedures in the agricultural issue
difficult," Kono said.

Japan was keen to have the words "multi-functionality of
agriculture" in the draft text for Seattle, WTO director-general
Mike Moore said on a visit in Japan last month.

The phrase recognizes farming's role in the environment and
resources, helping to fend off pressure for liberalization.

But U.S. Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky has rejected
Japan's demand, saying Washington will try to block any reference
to multi-functionality in the ministerial declaration.

In the message, Kono expressed concern about Tuesday's failure
by WTO members to forge a common statement for the Seattle
meeting.

"The preparation process in Geneva is not going smoothly. We
share the concern that a number of items will remain unsolved
when the ministerial meeting begins," Kono said.