Analysts said the emergency has been declared to clear the mob which has blocked practically all the streets that lead to the convention centre, the venue of the conference. Several trade ministers particularly from the developing countries here felt the demonstration has been stage-managed by US President Bill Clinton to press for his demand to include labour standards and environmental protection into WTO agenda. Developing countries, including India, have been totally opposing this, fearing this would legitimise protectionism. Meanwhile, WTO director-general regretted that opening ceremony could not be held as per schedule. He also said that the negotiating groups have started work in full swing.
Violence is never an appropriate way to settle differences.
The agitators carrying placards shouted slogans and did not allow any delegate or mediapersons to proceed to the conference venue. Eyewitnesses said declaration of emergency in Seattle was overreaction. And such a situation has never been seen. This is for the first time a WTO ministerial conference was disrupted. The demonstrators' main protest was against multinationals who they alleged were speeding up the process of globalisation.