Iran requested membership of the World Trade Organization (WTO) on Wednesday, July 18, but its request was again immediately blocked by the United States, officials said.
US Ambassador to the WTO Linnet Deily told the WTO's ruling general council her delegation was reviewing the matter and was not yet in a position to respond, WTO spokesman Keith Rockwell said.
The US State Department lists Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism. The WTO's general council, its executive body, operates by consensus.
Iran's request, first made in September 1996, only featured on the general council's agenda for the first time in May because of a lack of consensus among the 141 WTO members.
Malaysian Ambassador Supperamaniam, whose country chairs the informal group of developing countries, told the meeting in Geneva Wednesday they hoped for a favorable response, Rockwell said.
Malaysia, on behalf of the group, said it would ask for the item to be placed on the agenda at future meetings. The general council is due to meet again in October.
Iran said, in a document outlining its request, that for the last several years it has embarked on "an extensive program of reconstruction and development leading to expansion of economic relations and trade with its regional and global partners". ― (AFP, Geneva)
© Agence France Presse 2001
© 2001 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
