We have a lot to do in a very short time. The EU is determined to inject momentum into these talks by creating a bridge between rich and poor countries. That is why we have produced an overall text which does not always reflect the EU's well known position. We have taken flak from all sides as a result : the member states, parliamentarians, unions, businessmen. But that is my job.

On least developed countries, I hope the Quad countries can soon rally round our proposals for a joint initiative to help the poorest countries. The US still have a few problems here.

On labour, the idea of sanctions as outlined by President Clinton is simply not on our agenda.

We are deeply worried about the WTO process. The procedures are medieval, and I sympathise with Charlene Barshesky, who will need to be a magician to produce a deal out of all this. We should consider holding a Ministerial conference just to improve the WTO's procedures. I support the idea of producing a parliamentary body that could scrutinise the WTO process, and welcome proposals to that effect from the European and other parliamentary members here.

On biotechnology, I made it clear to the EU Council of Ministers that we have no intention of changing the calendar for ratification of the biodiversity convention. But the EU cannot stand alone on environmental or other topics, so carefully controlled discussion on this issue in the WTO is justified.

On agriculture, Article 20 makes it clear that farming has functions other than purely producing food.

The EU has nonetheless cut back a lot since Marrakesh, and is ready to do more. The negotiation is about the speed of those reductions.