Headlines:
| Antigua/US gambling row still unsettled |
|
|
| Wednesday, 04 June 2008 | |
The office of
the United States Trade representative has insisted that it is negotiating in
good faith to settle its internet gaming dispute with Antigua and Barbuda.Spokesman Sean Spice said Washington hopes to reach an agreement as soon as possible The World Trade Organisation (WTO) had ruled that Antigua and Barbuda is entitled to compensation of US$21-million. "The Antiguans have always been willing to negotiate and compromise with the US government but the latter has not been too interested in negotiating," said Mark Mandell, lawyer representing the twin island republic. In December, a WTO panel of arbitrators found favour with Antigua's bid to impose sanctions on the US after it barred financial institutions from processing online payments to betting companies outside American borders. The ruling gave the twin-island state the right to ignore copyrights and mass produce software, music and movies in the amount of US$21 million annually. However, both countries have agreed to hold meetings to reach an alternative that is satisfactory to both parties. The deadline is Friday. |