Fed: Aust won't give in on trade - Ruddock

AAP General News (Australia)
02-02-2004
Fed: Aust won't give in on trade - Ruddock

CANBERRA, Feb 2 AAP - Australia would not submit to the US on key aspects of trade
just to tie up a deal, Attorney-General Philip Ruddock said today.

Australia and the US appear to be deadlocked as a deadline to finalise a trade deal
between the two nations nears.

Trade Minister Mark Vaile and his US counterpart, Robert Zoellick, have met daily for
several hours since the current round of negotiations got underway in Washington last
Monday.

Mr Ruddock, who is also currently in the US, told the Nine Network Australia had specific
interests it needed to protect.

"These negotiations are being pursued by each of us in terms of getting the best trade
outcome, that is growing trade, but we've also got specific interests that we need to
protect," he said.

"Australia is not giving way on issues where we believe that Australia ought to be
quite resolved in protecting our own interests."

AAP so/jv

KEYWORD: TRADE US RUDDOCK

2004 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.