WTO to begin consultations to resolve blockage in Appellate Body

The Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Roberto Azevedo, announced on Monday (09.12.2019) the start of high-level consultations on "how to resolve the prolonged deadlock regarding the appointment of members of the Appellate Body" of the organization, a recurring target of criticism from the United States.

On the first day of meetings of the General Council, the WTO's top body, diplomats again unsuccessfully addressed the dispute over the tribunal.

The work of the appeals tribunal of the WTO's Dispute Settlement Body is expected to be blocked next Wednesday by Washington's decision to halt the appointment of new members.

In a statement, the WTO said that Roberto Azevedo "will launch intensive high-level consultations on how to overcome the impasse."

WTO spokesman Keith Rockwell said: These queries would be of «political nature", without giving further details. "It is a serious crisis«, Agregó.

But he clarified that the situation "does not mean that the organization as a whole will cease to function."

He also highlighted the differences between the United States and the Europeans over the role of the Court of Appeal.There are deep differences, but we hope that through intensive consultations and a little more political push, we can find a solution.«.

On Monday, Washington's ambassador to the WTO said the United States "is disappointed to see that there is no convergence among members."

But his European counterpart, Aguiar Machado, denounced a US blockade on the appointment of judges, and accused Washington of "not having made any proposal or counterproposal."

American criticism of the court dates back to the administration of former US President Barack Obama (2009-2017), during which appointments were already blocked, but has worsened since Donald Trump came to power.

Washington accuses the WTO of overstepping its powers by issuing rulings that, in the US view, violate national sovereignty.

Source: AFP