EU extends talks on world trade deal

The meeting of ministers in Geneva to find a breakthrough in the world trade talks has been extended until Wednesday.

Tánaiste Mary Coughlan, who is attending the negotiations, said agriculture is one of the remaining issues to be dealt with.

Senior politicians from around the world have been meeting in Geneva since Monday in an effort to reach agreement on the negotiations which have been ongoing for seven years.

The talks, which were due to end today, looked like breaking down yesterday. But they suddenly got new impetus last night and have now been extended until Wednesday.

The aim of the talks is to make trade between countries easier by cutting import taxes and removing protections for some businesses.

Underdeveloped countries are seeking better access for their produce in wealthier countries.

In return, poorer nations are being asked to import from richer countries more goods and services - such as cars, banking, and telecommunications.

Farmers warn of implications

Irish exporters say the national economy should not be sacrificed to protect farmers. Chief Executive of the Irish Exporters Association John Whelan said the benefit of a successful conclusion in Geneva would be significant for Irish export activity.

Mr Whelan said around €475m per year could be gained from a reduction in the cost of doing business in non-EU countries when the full extent of the tariff and mutual technical and customs measures are implemented.

The boost to international trade of around €638bn would mean a net effect for Irish exports of around €9.6bn in our total exports, he said.

IFA President Padraig Walshe met Taoiseach Brian Cowen in Tullamore this afternoon as livestock farmers gathered in the town demanding the veto to block WTO cuts.

Following the meeting, Mr Walshe (right)said he had re-iterated to the Taoiseach the damage to farmers, the food industry and rural Ireland in the WTO deal on the table in Geneva.

Mr Walshe said the veto decision was in the Taoiseach's hands and the livestock industry could not be sold out for Mr Mandelson's promises on services.

Reports from the talks say that EU states are divided over proposals to unblock a global trade deal, with Italy and Ireland saying they were unbalanced but Sweden saying they were acceptable.

The leader of the one of Ireland's main farm organisations has said he is very concerned that the EU is moving close to accepting a deal.

President of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association Jackie Cahill said the Irish representatives must resist the efforts by the European Commission to force through this deal on behalf of Europe.

Members of the IFA Livestock Committee are gathering outside the constituency offices of Taoiseach Brian Cowen this afternoon to protest over the proposals being discussed in Geneva.

They will be calling on the Taoiseach to use the veto to stop what they call a sell out of the Irish beef industry by EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson.

President of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers' Association, Malcolm Thompson described indications of a breakthrough as 'extremely distressing'.

He said it looked as if the worst fears of the Irish livestock sector were about to be realised. Mr Thompson concluded that the possibility of Ireland using a veto would now come centre stage.

Last night, officials attending the talks said they had made progress. Mr Mandelson said an agreement was emerging but it was not yet a done deal.