Agenda Item 5
Australia – Measures Affecting the Importation of Apples from New Zealand (DS367)
Dispute Settlement Body
17 December 2007
Statement by Australia
Thank you Chair,
Australia is disappointed that New Zealand has decided to request a panel in this dispute. Australia appreciates the importance New Zealand attaches to this issue. However, we consider that bilateral channels are the most effective way to deal with such concerns. We remain open to further consultations with New Zealand on the matters it has raised.
The measures contained in the Final Import Risk Analysis Report for Apples from New Zealand are science based and fully consistent with our WTO obligations.
We are not, therefore, able to agree to the establishment of a panel at this meeting.
Thank you Chair.