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World trade talks plunged into disarray on Friday as rich nations exchanged accusations over their long-protected farm markets and struggled even to agree on a package of measures to help the world's poorest.

The European Union stood firm Dec. 16 in resisting demands from key trading partners for an agreement at the World Trade Organization's Hong Kong ministerial conference on an end date for the elimination of export subsidies

detailed, footnoted take out of US development package proposal demonstrating why it is of no value and poses significant risks

Philippine-based think-tank IBON Foundation challenges the governments of the new underdeveloped country alliance to genuinely assert poor countries

Day four of the Ministerial had many ups, downs and roundabouts

The European Union and the United States stuck to their guns at the WTO talks, with both sides repeating demands for concessions on key issues as frustration grew over the lack of progress.

Members of the World Trade Organization seemed to be making some progress on an initiative to help the world's poorest countries on the third day of the Hong Kong ministerial, where the U.S. has come under intense pressure to provide duty-free, quota-free access to all products from least-developed countries

Press statement: A large group of farmers movements and NGO

The WTO Ministerial Conference seemed on the verge of unravelling after its third day, with many developing countries voicing opposition to the services part of the draft Declaration, and positions in non-agricultural market access being even more apart than before.

Trade ministers struggled to make progress toward a new pact to boost global commerce and faced an immediate challenge from African cotton farmers demanding a deal to cut subsidies.