FRANCE'S STANCE BLOCKING CROATIA'S ACCESS TO WTO

WASHINGTON, Sept 26 (Hina) - Negotiations on Croatia's access into the World Trade Organisation will not be completed on Monday at a meeting of a working group for Croatia in Geneva, Croatian Economy Minister Nenad Porges said in Washington Sunday. Contrary to expectations, instead of an end to negotiations and the signing of an access document, Croatia will have to submit a letter at the meeting expressing its stances regarding problems which occurred in negotiations with France. Difficulties occurred at the very end of bilateral talks between Croatia and WTO member-countries after France set requests for providing audio-visual services. Porges stressed the French Government was alone in its stand, but this does not prevent her from blocking access into the WTO for Croatia, Albania and Moldova. Porges underlined the difficulties in Washington Sunday during talks with the newly-appointed WTO director, Mike Moore. Moore and Porges are attending a session of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund in Washington. Porges told Moore Paris's conduct was contrary to the principles of the WTO. Moore expressed understanding for Croatia's views and said he would try to contribute to reaching a solution. Porges informed the head of the European Commission for Economy, Pascal Lamy, about the situation. Deputy Economy Minister Neven Mimica will report on Croatia's stances and present a written report on contentions with France at the meeting in Geneva on Monday. (hina) lml jn