This is an example of a reform needed in the WTO, from the Seattle 99 website. To call for the abolition of the WTO might seem very radical but the processes would then be even more unaccountable. This reform should be supported. (For example during the banana wars between the USA and Europe, the primary producers of the West Indies did not have the right to even equal representation. Outrageous.) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> The WTO's lack of democratic process or accountable decision-making is epitomized by the WTO Dispute Settlement Process. The WTO allows countries to challenge each others' laws and regulations as violations of WTO rules. Cases are decided by a panel of three trade bureaucrats. There are no conflict of interest rules and the panelists often have little appreciation of domestic law or of government responsibility to protect workers, the environment or human rights. Thus, it is not surprising that every single environmental or public health law challenged at WTO has been ruled illegal. WTO tribunals operate in secret. Documents, hearings and briefs are confidential. Only national governments are allowed to participate, even if a state law is being challenged. There are no outside appeals. Once a final WTO ruling is issued, losing countries have a set time to implement one of only three choices: change their law to conform to the WTO requirements, pay permanent compensation to the winning country, or face non-negotiated trade sanctions. The U.S. official position is that ultimately, laws must be changed to be consistent with WTO policy. <<<<<<<<<<<<< Chris Burford London