WTO probes likely to be delayed - claim

Airline Industry Information, June 13, 2005

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2005 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

While the World Trade Organisation (WTO) is due to hear requests by the European Union and the US for launching investigations into the aid to aircraft makers Boeing and Airbus, trade sources have said that this may be delayed for a few days.

The investigation into the mutual claims of illegal aid to the companies reportedly has the potential to become the biggest ever trade row. According to Reuters, trade sources have said that both sides are likely to try a standard procedure of blocking any investigation panel at the first request. This could delay the process by about ten days.

The delay is reportedly part of the WTO rules, as any member state can oppose a probe being launched immediately. On the second request, however, an investigation panel of three trade judges is automatically set up.

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