Lula calls on rich countries to advance global trade reforms

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Lula da Silva, a regular guest at the Davos Forum said he had talked to U.S. President George W. Bush, French President Jacques Chirac and others about the necessity of completing the trade talks that were launched in 2001.

"I didn`t talk to God, because I think he`s done enough for us already" added Lula da Silva in a light touch to an otherwise serious speech that also criticized the U.S. for the war in Iraq.

The Doha talks have been stalled over clashes between rich and poor countries on slashing subsidies and tariffs, particularly for farm goods. The US and the EU have also been at loggerheads over agriculture support and export subsidies.

"It is necessary that the U.S. and the EU reach an agreement because otherwise there`s no agreement" underlined Lula da Silva. Negotiators are trying to forge the blueprint of a deal before July, when US President Bush`s special authority from Congress to make trade deals expires.
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