INFORMAL CTD SPECIAL SESSION DISCUSSES ROAD MAP
On 18 June, WTO Members met in an informal special session of the Committee on Trade and Development (CTD), where they discussed primarily procedural matters that have been plaguing the negotiations since the body first met on 5 March (see BRIDGES Weekly, 5 March 2002) . The CTD special session is the body tasked with reviewing special and differential treatment (S&D) in the WTO Agreements. Of particular focus was how to proceed with discussions on the ‘objectives and principles’ of S&D as well as a proposed S&D monitoring mechanism (as per Africa Group submission, TN/CTD/W/3/Rev.1; not as yet de-restricted, see BRIDGES Weekly, 20 June 2002) . Further debate was also held on how to move forward on the S&D review itself: sources said that most developed countries pushed for the dispersion of the various proposals to the relevant subsidiary bodies, while most developing countries wanted to keep the task in the hands of the CTD. A suggestion was also offered to discuss similar issues from the various proposals in a ‘cluster’ — such that all similar elements from the various proposals could be dealt with together. With a deadline of reporting "with clear recommendations for action" to the General Council by 31 July 2002, the body has two formal sessions (2 and 17 July) and one half-day informal session (27 June) left to fulfil its mandate.
ICTSD reporting.