W-T-O delegates getting work done despite protests

(Seattle-AP) -- Despite violent protests, delegates to the World Trade Organization meeting in Seattle have been getting some work done.<br><br>Today's opening session was canceled after protesters

Tuesday, November 30th 1999, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Seattle-AP) -- Despite violent protests, delegates to the World Trade Organization meeting in Seattle have been getting some work done.

Today's opening session was canceled after protesters chained themselves together and lay down in intersections so dignitaries'
motorcades could not get through.

Instead, the W-T-O went straight into the first of a series of plenary sessions, where trade ministers from different countries are allowed to address the meetings.

U-S Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky apologized to delegates for any inconvenience. She says the protesters who became violent don't reflect the views held by the people of Seattle or the U-S.

Meantime, W-T-O Director General Mike Moore says that despite the rocky start, the assembled nations will succeed in launching a
new round of global trade talks to lower tariffs and other barriers on goods and services.