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<title>MINISTERS WELCOME WTO APPEAL REPORT ON AUSTRALIAN BAN OF CANADIAN SALMON</title>
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<p><font face="Arial"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1">October 20, 1998 <em>(1:30 p.m. EDT)</em> No. 245</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial" size="+1">MINISTERS WELCOME WTO APPEAL REPORT ON AUSTRALIAN BAN OF CANADIAN
SALMON</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">International Trade Minister Sergio Marchi and Fisheries and Oceans Minister David Anderson today welcomed
a report by the World Trade Organization (WTO) Appellate Body confirming that Australia's ban on imports of
Canadian salmon violates Australia's international trade obligations.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">The Appellate Body upheld the conclusions of a WTO panel report released in June 1998 that Australia's ban
on imports of Canadian fresh, chilled and frozen salmon is contrary to its obligations under the WTO
Agreement. </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">"It is an important decision in this long-standing dispute," Minister Marchi said. "It demonstrates, once again, the
importance of the WTO dispute settlement process in resolving trade irritants. I expect Australia to act quickly
on the Appellate Body findings and to lift its ban on imports of Canadian salmon."</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">"This decision is very good news for our salmon industry on both coasts," Mr. Anderson said. "We look forward
to the reopening of the Australian market for both wild and cultured salmon from Canada, which has been
closed for many years. This will allow our salmon producers to maximize the financial returns from their
exports."</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Australia imposed its ban on imports of Canadian salmon in 1975. After years of unsuccessful bilateral efforts to
resolve the dispute, Canada took the matter to the WTO. A WTO dispute settlement panel was established on
April 10, 1997.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">After the WTO Dispute Settlement Body adopts the Appellate Body report, Australia will have 30 days to
indicate how it intends to implement the WTO findings.</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial">- 30 -</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">For further information, media representatives may contact:</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Leslie Swartman</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Office of the Minister for International Trade</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">(613) 992-7332</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">John Fraser</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Office of the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">(613) 992-3474</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Media Relations Office</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">(613) 995-1874</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">This document is also available on the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade's Internet site:</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</font></p>
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