Mandelson calls for internal unity ahead of crucial WTO meeting

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BRUSSELS, July 15 (Xinhua): The European Union (EU) trade chief Peter Mandelson called for unity within the 27-nation bloc yesterday, one week ahead of a crucial World Trade Organisation (WTO) meeting to save the Doha round.

Rebuffing French President Nicolas Sarkozy's claim that he promised too much in the global trade talks, the EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson said France is "very mindful of its responsibilities as the presidency of the EU."

The EU trade chief was speaking to journalists as European trade, development and foreign ministers were scheduled to meet Friday in order to prepare for the WTO ministerial meeting in Geneva next week.

Mandelson insisted he had acted within the mandate authorised by EU governments, adding Friday's meeting would not be an occasion to limit his room for manoeuvre when he goes to Geneva.

"I already have a clear mandate," Mandelson said. "I don not need a new one and it does not need to be changed. I have always operated within member states' mandate and will continue to do so."

After nearly seven years in deadlock, the WTO Doha round talks is coming to a crucial time when ministers from about 30 major trading powers meet in Geneva next week to seek agreement.