AUSTRALIA HAILS RE-APPOINTMENT OF WTO DG

MELBOURNE, May 2 (Bernama) -- Australia's Trade Minister, Simon Crean, has
welcomed the re-appointment of Pascal Lamy for a second four-year term as
director-general of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

"At this time of global financial crisis, the WTO is an important
institution for maintaining trade flows and leading the fight against
protectionism," Crean said in a statement.

He said the WTO has been monitoring trade and trade-related measures taken
since the beginning of the crisis.

"Australia supports Lamy and the WTO in this important monitoring
initiative, which was endorsed by Group of 20 leaders last month" he said.

Crean said the conclusion of the WTO Doha Round of trade negotiations was a
key priority for the director-general and one shared by Australia.

"In responding to the global financial crisis, concluding the Doha Round is
one multilateral measure within our grasp and our best insurance against
protectionism.

"Lamy's reappointment provides some necessary and important continuity of
leadership for the Doha Round," he said.
-- BERNAMA