Statement by
Ambassador Rita Derrick Hayes
U.S. Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization
On the Appellate Body Ruling on the FSC Dispute

Geneva, February 24, 2000

As Ambassador Barshefsky has noted, we strongly disagree with the Appellate Body Ruling. Our view remains that the FSC structure is completely consistent with our WTO obligations

We respect our obligations and will seek a solution that ensures that American firms and workers are not disadvantaged relative to their European counterparts. It is not in the interests of the United States nor of the European Union to allow this case to damage our bilateral relationship or to impede progress on a wide range of mutually beneficial activities and issues.