Greenpeace has released its alternative to the new Round of trade liberalisation, proposed by the US and European Union, for the 4th ministerial conference of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). The draft ministerial declaration circulated this week from WTO headquarters in Geneva is	The Rainbow Warrior. © Greenpeace

clearly an attempt by a few countries to bully others into agreement on a new Round without giving due consideration to concerns of transparency, equity, broad participation, and the social and environment impact of globalisation. (1)

Greenpeace is urging WTO members states not to be intimidated by these few countries and their claims that if no new Round of trade liberalisation is launched in Doha, the meeting would be a failure.

"The new Round is being promoted by a minority of countries which have vested interests. A failure in the eyes of these countries does not mean that the entire meeting would be a failure," said Greenpeace campaigner Zeina Al-hajj, at a press conference held in Beirut.

"In fact a failure to initiate a new Round could not only represent a tremendous success for the majority of WTO member states but also bring important opportunities for the WTO itself." Al-hajj added.

Greenpeace believes an acceptance of a new Round as a result of US and European pressure, would go a long way to establish as legitimate the exclusive, bullying tactics used by the new Round proponents within the WTO.

Greenpeace will be participating in a seminar on "WTO and the Environment regulations" at the "World Forum on the WTO" to be held by international and local NGOs between the 5th and the 8th of November in Beirut, where it will be presenting in depth the organisation's position on WTO for the forum's participant.

"There are alternatives to a new Round," said Juergen Knirsch, Greenpeace expert on international trade, representing Greenpeace at the Forum. "Alternatives that can make Doha a success, and build a real foundation for fair multilateral negotiations in the future."

The Greenpeace flagship vessel, SV Rainbow Warrior had been granted permission by Qatari authorities to dock in Doha harbour for the duration of the WTO ministerial conference. An international crew and witnesses from the five continents will be on board to deliver their message to the WTO.

Notes to editors

1. Greenpeace comments on the WTO Draft Ministerial Declaration can be found at: http://www.greenpeace.org/politics/wto/Doha/reports/GPcomments.pdf
2. "Safe Trade in the 21st Century: The Doha Edition." Contains the Greenpeace recommendations to the WTO and can be found in English and Arabic at: http://www.greenpeace.org/politics/wto/Doha/html/documents.html
Download the French version at http://www.greenpeace.fr/mondialisation/index.php3
Read the Spanish version.
3. More information about the Rainbow Warrior and its journey to Doha.

Press contacts

Remi Parmentier, Political Director, Greenpeace International: +34 637 557 357.
Zeina Alhajj, Greenpeace Mediterranean, Campaigner in Beirut +961 3 755 100.
Sara Holden, Chief Media Officer Greenpeace International: +31 615007406.
Jeurgen Knirsch: Greenpeace Germany, Campaigner: +49 171 8780 831.