After five years, world trade talks near collapse

· US intransigence blamed for break-up of summit
· WTO chief offers no hope of immediate resumption

Larry Elliott, economics editor
Tuesday July 25, 2006
The Guardian

Five years of talks aimed at making global trade freer were on the brink of collapse last night after a make-or-break meeting between six of the leading players ended in acrimonious failure.

With the hardline stance adopted by the United States being blamed for the breakdown, the head of the World Trade Organisation said he had no choice but to suspend the talks, with no immediate prospect of them being resumed.