U.S. claims win at WTO in RI car row

U.S. claims win at WTO in RI car row

WASHINGTON (AFP): The United States yesterday claimed victory in a dispute with Indonesia, saying a special panel at the WTO had found Jakarta's automobile import polices in violation of international trade rules.

The United States initiated dispute settlement proceedings at the World Trade Organization in October 1996, charging that Indonesia's National Car Program discriminated against foreign automobiles and auto parts.

"The panel's ruling ensures that Indonesia will be required to cease its discrimination," U.S. Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky said in a statement here.

The panel's decision is contained in an interim report issued to the parties on Tuesday, according to the office of the USTR.

A final statement is expected by the end of April, after which an appeal can be made to the WTO Appellate Body.