Splits among EU governments over who should be the new head of the World Trade Organisation

Date: 01/04/1999

were a key factor in delaying a decision on a successor to outgoing director-general Renato Ruggiero this week. New Zealander Mike Moore had looked like winning the race after it emerged that Thai contender Supachai Panitchpakdi did not have enough support to clinch the appointment. But Union ambassadors' failed to agree on a common candidate despite a series of long meetings this week. Acting Trade Commissioner Sir Leon Brittan has been trying to rally EU support for Supachai, while the US is backing Moore. A fresh attempt to reach a decision will be made next week.