WTO rejects US appeal

2007-04-02 17:15:58

The World Trade Organisation has rejected a US appeal against a 2005 motion that ruled that the American government was discriminating against external online gambling companies.

The ruling was greeted in Antigua and Barbuda, the nation that filed the original complaint which saw the WTO find in April 2005 that the US had promised to open up its industry.

"It vindicates all that we have been saying for years about the discriminatory trade practices of the United States,'' said Antigua's finance minister Dr Errol Cort.

"This is a smashing success for Antigua in every possible way,'' added John Ashe, the island's WTO ambassador.

"The ruling clears up any lingering doubt that Antigua has obtained a clear and convincing win over the United States and it is now time for the United States to meet its international trade obligations," he added.

Gaming shares rose by as much as 16 per cent following the announcement, though it is uncertain what the US's next move will be despite internal pressure from the likes of senator Barney Frank.


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