This newsletter consists of a selection of recent press releases that may be of some interest as background to the transatlantic relationship. These include governmental and NGO press releases from Europe and America. If you feel there are areas not covered in this release please do not hesitate to e-mail me on duncan.ritchie@americaneuropeaninstitute.com .

Contents:
US Department of State
White House
Office of the United States Trade Representative
U.S Department of Commerce
European Commission
E.U Government
  United Kingdom
  Germany
  Austria
  France
NGO's

US DEPARTMENT OF STATE


1st february
Dr. Ruth A. Whiteside Named Director of Foreign Service Institute
Full details at: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2006/60237.htm

6th february
International Affairs - FY 2007 Budget
The President's FY 2007 International Affairs Budget for the Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and other foreign affairs agencies totals $ 35.1 billion:
Further details at: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2006/60436.htm

10th february
United States and Poland Sign Science and Technology Co-operation Agreement
The United States and the Republic of Poland signed a new bilateral Science and Technology Co-operation Agreement.
Further details at: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2006/60956.htm

13th february
Remarks by Secretary Rice on the 50th Anniversary Year of the Hungarian Revolution
Speech given by Secretary Condoleezza Rice in the Benjamin Franklin Room,
Washington, DC. Full speech at: http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2006/61121.htm

14th february
Secretary of State Establishes New Global Internet Freedom Task Force
The task force will consider foreign policy aspects of Internet freedom.
Further details at: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2006/61156.htm

On-the-Record Briefing by Under Secretary of State for Economic, Business and Agricultural Affairs Josette S. Shiner and Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs Paula Dobriansky
Senior officials brief on the new initiative on global Internet freedom.
Full text at: http://www.state.gov/e/eb/rls/rm/2006/61182.htm

15th february
Realising the Goals of Transformational Diplomacy
Secretary Condoleezza Rice testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in Washington, DC. The overall aim of this reassessment is to make America's foreign assistance more efficient and more effective, it is hoped will strengthen US national security.
Full details at: http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2006/61209.htm

President's FY 2007 International Affairs Budget Request
Secretary Condoleezza Rice opening remarks before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in Washington, DC.
Full statement at: http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2006/61262.htm

Excerpts from Remarks for Delivery before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee by Secretary Condoleezza Rice, Washington, DC february
15, 2006
Covers the Middle East in general, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, and transformational diplomacy.
Full text at: http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2006/61282.htm

Implementation of the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption
The Intercountry Adoption Act, which was signed into law on October 6, 2000, names the Department of State the U.S. Central Authority for the Convention.
Full details at: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2006/61274.htm

Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption: Accreditation/Approval Regulations Published in the Federal Register
Publication of the rule on accreditation and approval (Part 96) is an important milestone toward ratification of the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption by the United States.
Full details at: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2006/61272.htm

16th february
Opening Remarks by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice before the House International Relations Committee
Secretary Condoleezza Rice reviews the past year and looks forward to the challenges that might be faced in 2006.
Full speech at: http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2006/61505.htm

International Affairs Budget Request for Fiscal Year 2007
Secretary Condoleezza Rice opening Remarks before the Senate Budget Committee in support of the bid for 2007.
Full text at: http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2006/61384.htm

22nd february
Interview on ARD Breakfast TV ("Morgenmagazin"), German TV One
Karen P. Hughes, Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs interview by Anne Gesthuysen for German TV.
Transcript at: http://www.state.gov/r/us/61823.htm



WHITE HOUSE


1st february
President Discusses 2006 Agenda
A speech given by President Bush at the Grand Ole Opry House, Nashville, Tennessee.
Full text of the speech at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/02/20060201-5.html

9th february
President Bush Welcomes President of Poland to the White House
President Bush met with President Kaczynski in the Oval Office . They discussed NATO and the European Union. Polands role as a member of the EU, the Ukraine, and commercial ties
Further information at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/02/20060209-1.html

Speech given by Mrs Bush at the Gemelli Hospital, Rome, Italy.
Full speech at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/02/20060209-3.html

11th february
Mrs. Bush's Remarks at a Book Donation
Speech given by Mrs Bush at University Of Turin, Turin, Italy.
Full speech at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/02/20060211-3.html

13th february
President Bush Meets with U.N. Secretary General Annan
They met in The Oval Office and discussed Dafur, Middle East, and UN reform as well as the reform of the Human Rights Commission.
Full text at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/02/20060213-2.html

16th february
Text of a Letter from President Bush to the Speaker of the House of Representatives
The text of letter which requests $72.4 in 2006 billion for ongoing military and intelligence operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and selected other international activities.
Full text: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/02/20060216-6.html

24th february
Irish-American Heritage Month, 2006
Proclamation by the President of the United States of America that March 2006 as Irish-American Heritage Month.
Full statement at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/02/20060224-8.html



OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE


1st february
Congress Takes Important Action Byrd Repeal Brings US into Compliance with WTO Ruling
U.S. Trade Representative Rob Portman lauded action by the Congress to repeal the so-called Byrd Amendment - a step which will bring the U.S. into compliance with a WTO ruling.
Further details: http://www.ustr.gov/Document_Library/Press_Releases/2006/february
/Congress_Takes_Important_Action.html

2nd february
United States Files Additional Consultation Request in Airbus WTO Litigation
U.S. Trade Representative Rob Portman announced that in response to new EU member State subsidies to Airbus, the United States is filing an additional consultation request under its ongoing WTO case.
Full details at: http://www.ustr.gov/Document_Library/Press_Releases/2006/february
/United_States_Files_Additional_Consultation_Request_in_Airbus_WTO_Litigation.html

6th february
United States Requests Establishment of WTO Panel on Turkey's Restrictions on Imports of U.S. Rice 02/06/2006
U.S. Trade Representative Rob Portman announced today that the United States has requested a dispute settlement panel in its World Trade Organisation (WTO) case against Turkey's unfair restrictions on U.S. rice exports.
Further details at: http://www.ustr.gov/Document_Library/Press_Releases/2006/february
/United_States_Requests_Establishment_of_WTO_Panel_on_Turkeys_Restrictions_on_Imports_of_US_Rice.html

27th february
United States Seeks to Eliminate Global Tariffs on Medicines and Medical Devices.
Deputy US Trade Representative and Ambassador to the WTO, Peter F. Allgeier announced that the United States joined Switzerland and Singapore in introducing a proposal that would eliminate the tariffs imposed on the trade of medicines and medical devices.
Further information: http://www.ustr.gov/Document_Library/Press_Releases/2006/february
/United_States_Seeks_to_Eliminate_Global_Tariffs_on_Medicines_Medical_Devices.html

28th february
United States is Active Participant in Coalition to Jump Start WTO Services Negotiations
The United States launched a new effort to jump start the WTO Services negotiations. Joining with like-minded developed and developing countries, the U.S. will push for a common set of liberalisation objectives in services sectors key to global growth and development.
Further detail at: http://www.ustr.gov/Document_Library/Press_Releases/2006/february
/United_States_is_Active_Participant_in_Coalition_to_Jump_Start_WTO_Services_Negotiations.html



UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION


6th february
ITC will Conduct Full "Sunset" Reviews Concerning Certain Carbon Steel Products From Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, And The United Kingdom
The ITC voted to conduct full five-year ("sunset") reviews concerning the countervailing duty orders in imports of certain carbon steel products from Belgium, Brazil, France, Korea, Mexico, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. As well as the antidumping duty orders on imports of these products from Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
Further details at: http://www.usitc.gov/ext_relations/news_release/2006/er0206dd1.htm



U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE


13th february
International Visitation to the U.S. Expands through November
The U.S. Department of Commerce announced that 3 million international visitors travelled to the United States in November 2005, an increase of 8 percent over November 2004. Arrivals were also up 8 percent for the first eleven months of 2005 compared to 2004.
Further details at: http://www.ita.doc.gov/media/PressReleases/0206/tourism_021306.html



EUROPEAN COMMISSION

2nd february
EU welcomes repeal of Byrd Amendment; regrets transition period
The EC regret that the repeals of the Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act, more commonly known as the "Byrd Amendment" will not be implemented sooner.
Full details at: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/06/117&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

3rd february
Maximum levels set for dioxins and PCBs in feed and food
The European Commission has today adopted new implementing legislation setting maximum levels for the sum of dioxins and dioxin-like Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) in food and feed.
Further details at: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/06/119&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

Commissioner Figel' visits the USA to strengthen transatlantic relations in higher education
Ján Figel', European Commissioner for Education, Training, Culture, and Multilingualism, will be visiting the USA from 6 to 8 february
. He will meet the US Secretary for Education and other senior government officials.
Details at: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/06/116&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

7th february
A framework for the 21st century - the new global regulatory agenda in financial services
A speech given by Charlie McCreevy, European Commissioner for Internal Market and Services to the Council on Foreign Relations, in Washington.
Full speech at: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=SPEECH/06/63&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

Europe's rules on GMOs and the WTO
There is a need for strong regulatory oversight of GM technology and those major GMO producers such as the US should adopt a co-operative approach to the development of a sound international legal framework for these products, instead of taking hostile steps at the WTO.
Full details at: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/06/61&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

8th february
The transatlantic capital market - Fulfilling its true potential
A speech given by Charlie McCreevy, the European Commissioner for Internal Market and Servicesat the US Chamber of Commerce, in Washington.
Full details at: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=SPEECH/06/64&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

Commission urges new drive to boost production of biofuels
The European Commission adopted a Strategy for Biofuels, with a range of potential market-based, legislative and research measures to boost production of fuels from agricultural raw materials.
Further details at: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/06/135&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

10th february
Managing Globalisation - the case for a European foreign policy
A speech given by Benita Ferrero-Waldner the European Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy at a Chatham House Members Meeting in London.
Full speech at: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=SPEECH/06/75&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

President Barroso Calls on the United States to End Entry Barriers to Citizens From The EU's New Members
The President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso the government of the United States of America to offer all citizens of the European Union equal conditions for the access to US territory.
Details at: http://www.eurunion.org/News/press/2006/20060013.htm

13th february
International Trade in Services -EU25 surplus in trade in services increased to 42.8 bn euro in 2004
In 2004, EU25 external trade in services recorded a surplus of 42.8 billion Euro, compared to 37.0 billion Euro in 2003.
Details at: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=STAT/06/17&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

WTO condemns US tax subsidies; EU calls on US to end illegal tax breaks for Boeing, others
The WTO Appellate Body backed the EU condemnation of US federal tax subsidies for exporters in the FSC dispute.
Full Details at: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/06/158&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

14th february
Personnel: the Commission appoints new Director-General of the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)
Mr Franz-Hermann Brüner was appointed today Director-General of the European Anti-Fraud Office.
Details at: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/06/165&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

15th february
Statement on the issue of the cartoons of Prophet Muhammad
Statement by José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission at the European Parliament, Strasbourg.
Full statement at: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=SPEECH/06/86&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

Competition Commission confirms receipt of Microsoft's reply to Statement of Objections
The Commission will consider carefully the response that filed by Microsoft following the Statement of Objections that the Commission adopted on 21 December 2005.
Details at: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/06/76&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

Publication of the General Report on the Activities of the EU in 2005: profiling the events of the past year
The European Commission has now published the General Report on the Activities of the European Union in 2005.
Further information at: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/06/166&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

16th february
First anniversary of Air Passenger Rights
On the first anniversary of the coming into force of the Regulation on air passenger rights, the European Commission will meet with the National Enforcement Bodies to discuss implementation of this legislation in the Member States. The Regulation offers better protection to air passengers in case of denied boarding, cancellations and long delays.
Further Details at: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/06/177&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

EU action plan for security and justice should focus on cities and regions in front line of terrorism and crisis management, says Rotterdam Mayor
The EU will strengthen public confidence in the European project considerably if it is seen to be making a real difference in improving security and protecting citizens' rights and freedoms, states an opinion adopted by the Committee of the Regions (CoR) in Brussels.
Details at: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=COR/06/13&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

17th february
European birth rate reduced by economic factors and concern about the future
A fertility behaviour project funded by the European Commission shows that more than half the people questioned would on average like at least two children. However, a great number of couples actually have fewer, due to worries about the future and the cost of raising children.
Details at: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/06/182&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

19th february
Remarks to the General Assembly of the European Jewish Congress
Speech given by Benita Ferrero-Waldner, European Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy at the European Jewish Congress General Assembly in Vienna.
Details at: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=SPEECH/06/104&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

20th february
CAP Reform: EU agriculture ministers adopt groundbreaking sugar reform
The reform will give a 36 percent cut in the guaranteed minimum sugar price, generous compensation for farmers and, a Restructuring Fund as a carrot to encourage uncompetitive sugar producers to leave the industry.
Full details at: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/06/194&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

21st february
"The EU accession process, an effective tool of the European foreign and security policy"
Speech given by Mr Olli Rehn, Member of the European Commission, responsible for Enlargement at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Brussels.
Full speech at: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=SPEECH/06/112&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

23rd february
Mergers: Commission approves acquisition of Scientific-Atlanta by Cisco
The European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. ("Scientific-Atlanta") by Cisco Systems Inc. ("Cisco"), both of the US.
Further details: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/06/211&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

Mergers: Commission approves acquisition of Engelhard by BASF
The European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of Engelhard, a US company active in specialty chemicals, including catalysts, by BASF of Germany.
Further details: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/06/222&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

24th february
New report considers co-existence of GM and non-GM crops and seeds
The European Commission's Joint Research Centre is publishing case studies to identify how farmers can reduce the "adventitious" - unintended and unavoidable - presence of GM material in non-GM harvests.
Further details: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/06/230&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

27th february
Accounting: Commissioner McCreevy welcomes work programme for convergence between EU and US standards
Charlie McCreevy, welcomed the publication of a Memorandum of Understanding between the United States Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) that outlines a work programme for convergence between US Generally Accepted Accounting Practices (GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
Full details: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/06/237&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

Travellers' allowances: Commission proposes changes to the benefit of citizens
The Commission has adopted a proposal renewing the provisions on travellers' allowances as from 1/1/2007. Traveller's allowances are the monetary thresholds or the quantitative limits which travellers entering the EU from third countries are allowed to import duty free.
Further details: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/06/238&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en



E.U GOVERNMENT

United Kingdom


1st february
We Have Laid the Foundations for Change' - Kim Howells
'We have achieved a great deal. We have laid the foundations for change', said FCO Minister, Kim Howells, at a press conference following the London Conference on Afghanistan.
Full details at: http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029391629&a=KArticle&aid=1138868415091%20&year=2006&month=2006-02-01&date=2006-02-01

New Afghan Strategy gets backing of International Community
A joint statement issued by the co-chairmen at the London Conference on Afghanistan.
Full statement: http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029391629&a=KArticle&aid=1136910022584%20&year=2006&month=2006-02-01&date=2006-02-01

Straw Marks 60th Anniversary of United Nations General Assembly
In a speech marking the 60th anniversary of the first plenary session of the United Nations General Assembly the Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, spoke of the historical legacy of the United Nations and the work of its Secretary General.
Full speech at: http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029391629&a=KArticle&aid=1136909839871%20&year=2006&month=2006-02-01&date=2006-02-01

4th february
Straw Welcomes IAEA Board Resolution on Iran
The Foreign Secretary Jack Straw issued a statement on 4 february
, following the adoption of a resolution at the IAEA Board of Governors in Vienna.
Full statement: http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029391629&a=KArticle&aid=1138869226491%20&year=2006&month=2006-02-01&date=2006-02-04

6th february
Straw Welcomes Election of Dame Rosalyn Higgins as President Of The International Court Of Justice
The Foreign Secretary welcomed the election of Dame Rosalyn Higgins as President of the International Court of Justice.
Further details: http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029391629&a=KArticle&aid=1138869629817%20&year=2006&month=2006-02-01&date=2006-02-06


Germany


4th february
Merkel calls for stronger NATO role
In the opening speech at the Munich Conference on Security Policy Chancellor Angela Merkel observed that NATO and the EU are the most successful security and value-based alliances in recent history.
Further Details: http://www.bundesregierung.de/en/Latest-News/Information-from-the-Governmen-,10157.956589/artikel/Merkel-calls-for-stronger-NATO.htm

15th february
Constitutional Court rules on Air Security Act
A passenger plane hijacked by terrorists cannot be shot down by the armed forces even to prevent an attack. This is the opinion arrived at by the German Constitutional Court in a ruling handed down.
Further details: http://www.bundesregierung.de/en/Latest-News/Information-from-the-Governmen-,10157.962392/artikel/Constitutional-Court-rules-on-.htm

20th february
German government report on BND activities
The German government submitted a comprehensive report on the activities of the Federal Intelligence Service (BND) during the war in Iraq.
Details: http://www.bundesregierung.de/en/Latest-News/Information-from-the-Governmen-,10157.967298/artikel/German-government-report-on-BN.htm


Austria


1st february
Plassnik chairs EU Troika meeting with Afghanistan
Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik had talks on Tuesday with her Afghan counterpart, Abdullah Abdullah, in the framework of the EU Foreign Ministers Troika.
Further details: http://www.bmaa.gv.at/view.php3?f_id=10351&LNG=en&version=

"EU and OSCE - together for security, human rights and good neighbourliness"
Speech by Foreign Minister Plassnik at the Permanent Council of the OSCE in which he states that the European Union should mesh more closely with the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe.
Fuspeech at: http://www.bmaa.gv.at/view.php3?f_id=10382&LNG=en&version=

27th february
Plassnik: "Traditionally close, multi-faceted relations with Canada"
EU Foreign Ministers have informal meeting with the Canadian Foreign Minister MacKay.
Statement at: http://www.bmaa.gv.at/view.php3?f_id=10493&LNG=en&version=


France


4th february
Plassnik: Europe - United States: which partnership?
A speech given by Mme Michèle Alliot-Marie, Minister of Defense at the 42nd Munich Conference on Security Policy in Munich.
Full speech at: http://www.info-france-usa.org/news/statmnts/2006/mam_usa_europe020406.asp

19th february
Middle East/Iran/NATO
Interview of Wolfgang Ischinger,Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany. Jean-David Levitte, Ambassador of France and Sir David Manning Ambassador of the United Kingdom to the United States, to CNN, "Late Edition" with Wolf Blitzer, in Washington.
Full interview: http://www.info-france-usa.org/news/statmnts/2006/levitte_cnn021906.asp

WTO


2nd february
special meeting for aircraft subsidy dispute brought by the EC against US
The EC asked for a special meeting of the Dispute Settlement Body to be convened to request the establishment of a panel in reference to the case US -- measures affecting trade in large civil aircraft.
Further details: http://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news06_e/dsb_2feb06_e.htm

3rd february
Israel - Shift to high-tech contributed to increases in exports and economic growth
The recovery of Israel's economy from the early 2000's recession has been mostly led by exports, in particular by innovation and a shift to high-technology goods and services.
Full WTO report: http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp258_e.htm

13th february
Appellate Body issues report on compliance in FSC dispute
The WTO Appellate Body, on 13 february
2006, issued its report regarding the second compliance panel report on the European Communities' complaint against "United States: Tax treatment for 'Foreign Sales Corporations'" (DS108).
Full report at: http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/dispu_e/108abrw2_e.pdf
and summary of the case at: http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/dispu_e/cases_e/ds108_e.htm

17th february
"The Doha Development Agenda: Sweet Dreams or Slip Slidin'Away?"
Director-General Pascal Lamy, on a speech at the International Institute of Economics in Washington said that "as in the other Rounds, US leadership is indispensable" for the Doha Round to conclude successfully by the end of the year".
Full speech at: http://www.wto.org/english/news_e/sppl_e/sppl19_e.htm

20th february
WTO issues arbitrator's award in chicken cuts dispute
The WTO issued the award of the arbitrator regarding the reasonable period of time for the EC to implement the recommendations and rulings of the Dispute Settlement Body in the case "European Communities -- Customs Classification of Frozen Boneless Chicken Cuts".
Full details at: http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/dispu_e/269_286_arb_e.pdf
and summary of case 269 at: http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/dispu_e/cases_e/ds269_e.htm
and summary of case 286 at: http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/dispu_e/cases_e/ds286_e.htm