Thread by @CoppetainPU

Proposed rescheduled in-person WTO Ministerial Conference—June 2–4 or week of June 13, Geneva.

General Council chair Dacio Castillo the earliest feasible dates taking account of availability of Swiss security and other facilities.

1/6 wto.org/english/thewto…

Based on what he heard informally today, Castillo will consult members and report to the formal General Council tomorrow & Thursday.

Most delegations preferred the week of Jun 13, some preferred Jun 2–4, but most said they were flexible, according to a Geneva trade official

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The new dates are possible because Switzerland eased most of its COVID-19 restrictions on Feb 17. The Swiss ambassador told the meeting that most restrictions on entry would be lifted. Any remaining curbs will be waived for the Ministerial Conference.

3/6 swissinfo.ch/eng/covid-19_c…

Many members preferred the mid-June date, for example because it would be soon after the OECD meeting in Paris, allowing a pre-conference meeting, also convenient for those travelling long distances, the official said. But for some that would clash with other events.

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If held in June, the conference will have to be considerably smaller (or “streamlined”) because it will have to be held at the WTO’s headquarters instead of the conference centre originally booked for Nov 30–Dec 3 last year, now postponed.

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Most delegations agreed the conference should be held as soon as possible.

Without a deadline the impetus in WTO talks has slackened, the official said: “Progress so far has been a disappointment”—the need for a deadline is “just how it goes” in the WTO.

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Always typos: “General Council chair Dacio Castillo SAID THEY ARE the earliest feasible dates taking account of availability of Swiss security and other facilities”