ECUADOR: Oilwatch Statement on WTO

At Doha, Qatar, in the World Trade Organization's 4th Ministerial meeting, issues which jeopardize Peoples' sovereignty, promote the planet's environmental degradation, and threaten the last frontiers not yet inmersed in development are being discussed.

''Investment'' issues are being dealt with, that contribute to the construction of an absolute power regime for transnationals, against national interests; guaranteeing and broadening investors' rights, even allowing corporations to sue States over taxes, or over a Legislation (environmental or social) that could be interpreted as and obstacle for free trade.

WTO's objective is to make room for transnational corporations, in spaces where States have been traditionally working, like public services; promoting, for example, the privatization of national
companies built with national funds -- which in the case of Southern coutries are, also, acquired debts. The intention is to assure rights to corporations, over the interests of States and of the Citizens of
this planet.

WTO assumes the free flow of merchandise, services and capitals, independent from national needs, which imply a disproportionate use of energy now based on fossil fuels, moreover if importing and exporting activities, very high consumers of these energy sources, are being stimulated.

A conspiracy for an attack against the planet is being plotted at Qatar. However any rejection attitude will be interpreted as an act of terrorism. Fear can't inmovilize us, on the contrary, it calls on us
to deal concretely with this process.

On globalization proposals, Oilwatch proposes resistance and a common work so that an Environmentalist International becomes possible.

SECRETARIA DE OILWATCH

Casilla 17-15-246-C

Quito -- Ecuador

Tel-Fax: (593 2) 547516 / 527583

Tel: 593 9 82 56 37

E-mail: oilwatch@uio.satnet.net

Pagina Web: www.oilwatch.org.ec

Oilwatch is an international resistance network that opposes the activities of oil companies in tropical countries. It is based in Quito, Ecuador.

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