‘US blocks appointment of African leader WTO’ | Abroad

The Guardian and BBC report this. Okonjo-Iweala would be the first woman and the first African to lead the trade organization. South Korean candidate Yoo Myung-hee has much less support.

The EU, Africa, but also China and Japan unanimously supported Okonjo-Iweala and the new leader is traditionally elected unanimously. Only America is opposed. Washington has long been at odds with the WTO, believes that China should no longer be designated as a ‘developing country’ and has previously blocked the appointment of judges.

If the countries do not agree, a vote will still take place. Then Okonjo-Iweala will probably still be the winner. But behind the scenes it is considered impossible for an agreement to be reached without America. The question is whether the chair legs of the organization are being sawn in general.

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