Explanation of Vote by John F. Sammis, U.S. Deputy Representative on the United Nations Economic and Social Council, on Agenda Item 51(a): International Trade and Development, in the Second Committee of the Sixty-Fourth Session of the United Nations General Assembly

John F. Sammis
United States  Deputy Representative to ECOSOC 
U.S. Mission to the United Nations 

New York, NY

December 11, 2009

AS DELIVERED

Mr. Chairman, the United States had hoped to come to consensus on this resolution as we are strong advocates of the development benefits of international trade and we believe that opening markets to trade across the globe can play a key role in attaining our shared goals of reducing poverty and hunger and sharing the benefits of growth worldwide.

 We had hoped that this year, the United Nations would send a unified, positive message from all member States to encourage an ambitious and balanced conclusion to the Doha Round of Trade negotiations and are disappointed that, after being so close to achieving consensus, the current draft does not meet that aim.

The United States cannot accept this text as we do not believe it provides a constructive basis on which to build a fair and inclusive trade dialogue.  We have requested a recorded vote and will vote no.

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