Moi opens EU-ACP talks in Nairobi

President Daniel arap Moi on Tuesday opened talks between the European Union (EU) and the African, Caribbean, Pacific (ACP) group of developing countries in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, AFP reported. EU officials are widely expected to seek the support of the 77 ACP countries for a new round of world trade talks ahead of a World Trade Organisation summit to be held in Doha, Qatar, in November, AFP said. EU Trade Commissioner Pascal Lamy was quoted as saying last week that he was "going to Kenya to rally support for a round that must address the concerns and interests of ACP and developing countries as a matter of urgency".

Many African leaders have expressed opposition to holding a new round of trade talks, arguing that their countries most need help in adjusting to existing trade rules, AFP said. Tanzanian President Benjamin Mkapa on Sunday said he was against a new round of talks. "What is needed is not to rush into a new round, but assisting poor nations build up a capacity that will make them participate effectively in the global trading system, as earlier pledged by developed nations," he said.