2000 Moore calls for closer parliamentary involvement in WTO matters WTO Director-General Mike Moore told the European Parliament today that he welcomed closer involvement and scrutiny by Parliaments in the activities, discussions and other work of the World Trade Organization. Addressing the Committee on Development and Cooperation in Brussels, Mr. Moore said closer involvement by Parliaments and Congresses was necessary not only because these legislatures must ratify WTO agreements but also because they are the best representatives of civil society. We all need to be more accountable. Parliaments and Congresses sustain governments.
Public opinion sustains governments.
Elected representatives are the main expression of civil society. Their support is measured, they are accountable, they need to be more involved. This is a real way in which we can counter some of the anxieties about globalization and public alienation. He addressed the Committee with EU Commissioner Pascal Lamy and Peter Gakunu, of the secretariat of the organization of the African, Caribbean and Pacific countries. At the Seattle Ministerial Conference in December, Mr. Moore welcomed the first informal inter-Parliamentary session on WTO matters.