Financial Times; Oct 25, 2000
OBSERVER: AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
Seattle-itis
Is there no city in the world willing to host the next ministerial meeting of the World Trade Organisation? The tiny Gulf state of Qatar did offer, it's true, but is now back-pedalling madly, pleading lack of sufficient hotel space and the fact that Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting, may coincide with the probable date of the meeting some time in November 2001.
Other candidates are not exactly rushing to take Qatar's place, despite the lure of 5,000 or so officials, lobbyists and journalists on expense accounts. After all, who wants the misery Seattle inflicted on itself with the conference last year? Its down-town was shut down, shops were looted, the police chief had to resign and the city is facing a law suit from 600 demonstrators.
Geneva, the WTO's home, which may end up hosting the meeting by default, had a foretaste of Seattle's troubles during the May 1998 ministerial meeting. Nevertheless, officials are maintaining a stiff upper lip. "We are at the WTO's disposal if necessary and if the Swiss government asks us," says Jerome Koechlin, the canton's head of protocol.
© Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2000.