Reluctant Sutherland heads Gatt: Former EC commissioner takes charge of world trade talks after arm-twisting by Delors
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.BRUSSELS - Peter Sutherland, a former EC competition commissioner, was yesterday appointed the new Director-General of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, the world trade watchdog, writes Sarah Lambert.
The 47-year-old Irishman succeeds Arthur Dunkel and it is agreed the newcomer will need all the charm, legal acumen and diplomatic skill honed thoughout a high- profile career to try and bring the stalled Uruguay Round of trade liberalisation talks to a successful conclusion before Washington's 15 December deadline.
Mr Sutherland, currently chairman of Allied Irish Banks, was initially reluctant to take on the job but had his arm twisted by Jacques Delors, the EC Commission president, and the Irish foreign minister Dick Spring.
He takes over as the prospects for a Gatt settlement that is already two years' behind schedule look rosier than for some considerable time. France yesterday lifted its block on an EC-US oilseeds deal and though Paris maintains the farm chapter of the Uruguay round remains unacceptable, resolution of the oilseeds issue gives negotiators new momentum to move on to contentious areas in the other 14 sectors such as textiles, telecommunications, services and intellectual property rights.
Hope is high that Mr Sutherland will grasp the nettle. Certainly, at the European Commission he established a reputation as a free- trader who effectively combined cajoling with cudgeling, set his own agenda and followed it.
It was Mr Sutherland who helped to shape the single market by giving Treaty instruments legal force and so forging EC merger policy, cracking down on unfair state aids and cartels.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments