Reopening the question of the WTO's universal vocation would pose a serious threat to the promising venture begun in Marrakesh. I would also like to mention the so-called new issues, which are the most controversial. There is no point in denying the obvious. The establishment of a fair and predictable multilateral system which guarantees free circulation of goods and services while respecting the fundamental principles set out in the Marrakesh Agreements will inevitably mean broadening the scope of our discussions. The changes which the developments in international trade have brought about for our economies are considerable.
Globalization requires constant adaptation.
Our public opinion is extremely sensitive. It is in the interests of the liberalization process not to exclude certain issues from our discussions. We do not want to make social standards a factor that divides North and South. We do, however, wish to find mutually acceptable solutions which prevent any recourse to protectionism while making the development of international trade a source of welfare and social progress for all. The subject of social standards should be raised, in the first instance, in the International Labour Organization.