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<title>MINISTERS WELCOME WTO PANEL REPORT ON AUSTRALIAN BAN OF CANADIAN SALMON</title>
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<p><font face="Courier"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2">June 12, 1998 No. 157</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2">MINISTERS WELCOME WTO PANEL REPORT </font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2">ON AUSTRALIAN BAN OF CANADIAN SALMON</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">International Trade Minister Sergio Marchi and Fisheries and Oceans Minister
David Anderson welcomed a World Trade Organization (WTO) report that concludes
that Australia's ban on the import of certain types of Canadian salmon is
inconsistent with its WTO obligations.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">The report, released today, recommends that the WTO's Dispute Settlement Body
request Australia to bring its measure regarding imports of fresh, chilled and
frozen salmon from Canada into conformity with WTO rules.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"This final ruling of the WTO Dispute Settlement Panel has very clearly upheld
Canada's case," said Minister Marchi. "This important finding also demonstrates
that Canada's trade interests are best defended through a system of fair and
equitable rules." </font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"The decision to lift the ban on the import of certain types of Canadian salmon
will provide significant benefits to Canadian fishermen and processors," said
Minister Anderson.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Australia's ban was first introduced in 1975. After years of unsuccessful
bilateral efforts to resolve the dispute, the WTO Dispute Settlement Body
established a panel on April 10, 1997, at Canada's request. Australia still has
the right to appeal the WTO ruling.</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Courier">- 30 -</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">For further information, media representatives may contact:</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Leslie Swartman</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Office of the Minister for International Trade</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 992-7332</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">John Fraser</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Office of the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 992-3474</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Media Relations Office</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 995-1874</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">This document is also available on the Department of Foreign Affairs and
International Trade Internet site: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</font></p>
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