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

White House


15th March
President Attends Celebration of Hungarian Contributions to Democracy
President Bush gives a speech to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution at the Statutory Hall, United States Capitol in Washington, D.C.
Full speech at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/new s/rele ases/2006/03/20060315-4.html

17th March
President Welcomes Irish Prime Minister Ahern for St. Patrick's Day
The President met with the Irish Prime in The Roosevelt Room.
Full details at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/03/2006 0317-1.html

Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy, 2006
President Bush proclaim March 25, 2006, as Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy.
Further details at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/ releases/2006/03/20060317-5.html

20th March
President Welcomes NATO Secretary General to the White House
President Bush welcomed Secretary General De Hoop Scheffer to The Oval Office where they discussed the US/NATO relationship.
Full Press conference at: http://www.whitehouse.g ov/news/releases/2006/03/20060320-1.html

24th March
President Celebrates Greek Independence Day at the White House
The President helps celebrate the day in the Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Office Building.
Further details at: http://www.whiteho use .gov/news/releases/2006/03/20060324-2.html

US DEPARTMENT OF STATE

3rd March
Cyprus: Trade with the North of Cyprus?
A question regarding Americans trading with the Turkish sector of the Island.
Reply at: http://w ww.state.gov/r/pa/pr s/ps/2006/62564.htm

8th March
Briefing on the State Department's 2005 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
Secretary Condoleezza Rice joined Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs Paula Dobriansky and Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labour, Barry Lowenkron in announcing the publication of The Country Reports on Human Rights Practic es for 2005.
Full details at: http://www.state.gov/secretary /rm/2006 /62738.htm and http://www. state.gov/g /drl/rls/spbr/62776.htm

9th March
FY 2006 Supplemental Budget Request
Opening Remarks by Secretary Rice before the Senate Appropriations Committee in Washington, DC.
Full remarks at: http://www.state.go v/secretary/rm/2006/62900.htm

President's FY 2007 Budget Request
Opening Remarks by Secretary Condoleezza Rice before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Science,
the Department of State, Justice, and Commerce, and Related Agencies.
Full remarks at: http://www.state.gov/secretary/ rm/2006/62911.htm

13th March
How Foreign Direct Investment Benefits the United States
Fact Sheet issued by the State Department. Unfortunately it does not split the figures into where the investment comes from.
Details at: http://www.state.gov/r/p a/prs/ps/2006/63041.htm

17th March
Publication of the FY 2005 Performance and Accountability Report
The State Departments FY 2005 Performance and Accountability Report, provides program results to help Congress, the President, and the public assess the Department's performance relative to its mission and includes the audited financial statements.
Full details at: http://www .state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2006/63365.htm

20th March
Remarks by R. Nicholas Burns, Under Secretary for Political Affairs after Meetings of EU3 and 3 Political Directors at the UK Mission to the UN.
A statement about the unity that has been achieved by Russia, China, the U.S. and the European countries acting together to pressure Iran and to try to convince Iran to give up its search for nuclear weapons capability.
Full statement at: http://www.state.gov/p/us/rm/200 6/63449.htm

Secretary Condoleezza Rice Remarks With His Excellency Jakob "Jaap" de Hoop Scheffer, Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation before their Meeting
Full details at: http://www.state.go v/secretary/rm/2006/63401.htm

22nd March
Foreign Direct Investment in the United States
European firms account for 70% of direct investment in the U.S. The UK is the largest single foreign investor in the U.S., with some $252 billion invested (16% of the total stock of foreign direct investment in the U.S.)
Six European countries -- France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and the UK - each hold U.S. investments worth over $100 billion dollars. The UK's $252 billion investment represents almost a fourth of total European investment in the United States.
Full details at: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2006/63553.htm

23rd March
Remarks with Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs after Their Meeting
Secretary Rice welcomed the new Greek Foreign Minister Theodora Bakoyannis to Washington, D.C. They discussed various issues including promoting stability and prosperity in the Balkans, fighting terrorism and the reunification of Cyprus on the basis of democratic values.
Full details at: http://www.state.gov/secr etary/rm/2006/63624.htm

27th March
Signing Ceremony for Millennium Challenge Corporation's Compact with the Republic of Armenia
Secretary Rice and Armenian diplomats signed a compact between Armenia and the Millennium Challenge Corporation and also celebrated the achievement of the people of Armenia.
Full details at: http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/20 06/63743.htm

28th March
FY 2007 Budget Request for the Department of State and Foreign Operations
Secretary Condoleezza Rice o pening remarks before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee On State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs.
Full statement at: http://www.state.g ov/secr etary/rm/2006/63782.htm

29th March
A Conversation with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice
The opening session of the American Society of International Law's 100th Annual Meeting. The moderator was Gwen Ifill, the managing editor of Washington Week and senior correspondent for The Newshour with Jim Lehrer. The other participants were: Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, Judge Rosalyn Higgins and ASIL president-elect Jose Alvarez.
Full transcript at: http://www.state.gov /secretary/rm /2006/63855.htm

31st March
Condoleezza Rice's visit to North West England

Remarks at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts with U.K. Foreign Secretary Jack Straw
http://www.state.gov/secreta ry/rm/2006/63963.htm

Remarks at British Aerospace with U.K. Foreign Secretary Jack Straw
http://www.state.gov/secret ary/rm/2006/63925.htm

Remarks at BBC Today-Chatham House Lecture
http://www.state.gov/sec retary/rm/2006/63969.htm

Interview with British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw on BBC Radio 4's Today Program With James Naughtie
http://www.state.gov/secretary/ rm/2006/63978.htm



HOUSE OF REPRASENTATIVES


8th March
The U.S.-European Relationship: Opportunities and Challenges
Subcommittee Oversight Hearing by the Subcommittee on Europe and Emerging Threats.
Further details at: http://wwwc.house.gov/international_relations/1 09/eu030806.htm

Statement by Elton Gallegly,
http://wwwc.house.gov/international_ relations/109/gal030806.pdf

Statement by Robert Wexler
http://wwwc.house.gov/international_relat ions/109/wex030806.pdf

Statement by Daniel Fried
http://wwwc.house.gov/international_relati ons/109/fri030806.pdf


OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE


1st March
Administration Delivers Annual Trade Report and Ambitious Agenda to Congress - 2006 Trade Policy Agenda and the 2005 Annual Report of the President of the United States on the Trade Agreements Program.
The 2006 report details the many benefits of trade for U.S. businesses, farmers and ranchers, service providers and consumers, reviews the Administration's accomplishments of 2005 and lays out its ambitious agenda for 2006.
Further details: http://www.ustr. gov/Document_Library/Press_Releases/2006/March/Bush_Administration_Delivers_Annual_Trade_Report_Ambitious_Agenda_to_Co ngress.html

10th March
United States and European Community Reach Agreement on Trade in Wine 03/10/2006
U.S. Trade Representative Rob Portman and EU Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel signed a bilateral agreement on wine-making practices and labelling of wine that will facilitate bilateral trade in wine valued at $2.8 billion annually.
Further information at: http://www.ust r.gov/Document_Library/Press_Releases/2006/March/United_States_European_Community_Reach_Agreement_on_Trade_in_Wine.html

15th March
Carnegie Study Reveals Benefits Increase with Deeper Trade Liberalization
The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace released a study which shows that under full trade liberalization all countries win.
Further information at: http://www.ustr.gov/Document_Library/Press_Releases/2006/March/Carnegie_Study_Reveals_Benefits_Increase_with_Deeper_Trade_Liberalization.html

22March
United States and European Union Sign Enlargement Compensation Agreement
United States and the European Union (EU) signed a bilateral trade agreement relating to the EU's expansion in May 2004 from 15 to 25 members.
Full details: http://www.ustr.gov/Document_Library/Press_Releases/2006/March/United_States_European_Union_Sign_Enlargement_Compensation_Agreement.html

USTR Statement on WTO's Review of U.S. Trade Policy
A statement made by U.S. Trade Representative Rob Portman on the WTO report.
Full statement at: http://www.ustr.gov/Document_Library/Press_Releases/2006/March/USTR_Statement_on_WTOs_Review_of_US_Trade_Policy.h tml

31st March
Bush Administration Submits Annual Trade Report To Congress
The Office of the United States Trade Representative released its 2006 National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers (NTE), an annual report documenting foreign trade and investment barriers and U.S. efforts to reduce and eliminate those barriers.
Full details including a link to the report at: http://www.ustr.gov/Document_Library/Press_Releases/2006/March/Bush_Administration_Submits_Annual_Trade_Report_T o_Congress.html

European Union subsection:
http://www.ustr.gov/assets/Docume nt_Library/Reports_Publications/2006/2006_NTE_Report/asset_upload_file814_9243.pdf



UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION


6th March
ITC makes Determinations In Five-Year (Sunset) Reviews Concerning Brass Sheet and Strip from Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan
The ITC determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty orders on brass sheet and strip from France, Germany, Italy, and Japan would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time.
Further details at: http://www.usitc.gov/ext_relation s/news_release/2006/er0306dd1.htm



U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE


8th March
International Visitors to the U.S. Spend Record Dollars in 2005 Passing Mark Set Before 9-11
The U.S. Department of Commerce announced that total international travel and tourism exports - which is travel-related tourism spending in the United States - reached the record level of $104.8 billion in 2005. This surpassed the $103.1 billion mark set the year before 9-11.
Full details at: http://www.ita.doc.gov/media/PressReleases/030 6/tourism_030806.html

28th March
Steel Imports for February 2006 Increased Less than 1 Percent From January 2006
Newly released preliminary government figures covering steel imports for the month of February 2006 show that steel imports increased less than 1 percent from January 2006 levels.
Further details at: http://www.ita.doc.gov/media/FactShe et/0306/steel_032806.html



EUROPEAN COMMISSION

1st March
Commission proposes up to €500 million per year for a new European Globalisation adjustment Fund to support workers
EU workers will be helped back to work by a new annual fund of up to €500 million, that could benefit every year up to 50,000 workers in the EU, especially in the regions and sectors hit by major changes in world trade patterns.
Full details at: http://europa .eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/06/245&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

European Globalisation Fund
This Fund would provide a European response to those adjusting to the consequences of globalisation, acting as a sign of solidarity from those who benefit from open trade to those who face the sudden shock of losing their job.
Full details at: http://europa.eu.i nt/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/06/250&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

EU lifts longstanding public procurement sanctions against US
The EU lifted longstanding sanctions imposed on the US in response to US sanctions on EU Member States. The US, which alleged that previous EU government procurement rules discriminated against US operators by allowing preferential pricing allowances in some sectors for EU operators, has today ended its measures, and the EU has responded by doing the same.
Full details at: http://eur opa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/06/251&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

5th March
Social aspects of Turkey's preparations for EU accession
A speech given by Vladimír ?pidla, Member of the European Commission responsible for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities at a Conference on "Social dialogue as a tool to address the informal economy in Turkey" in Ankara.
Full speech at: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=SPEECH/06/144&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&gu iLanguage=en

6th March
Equal opportunities for men and women in Turkey
A speech given by Vladimír ?pidla, Member of the European Commission responsible for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities at a Seminar on Equal opportunities for men and women in Turkey, in Ankara.
Full details at: http://europa.eu.in t/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=SPEECH/06/145&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

7th March
Between co-operation and Competition - Science and Research as a Transatlantic Bridge Builder
A speech given by VJanez Poto_nik, European Commissioner for Science and Research, at a Maerican European Community Association Round-table luncheon in Brussels.
Full speech at: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction. do?reference=SPEECH/06/148&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLa nguage=en

8th March
London meeting will bring key WTO negotiators together to prepare for April deadline
Trade negotiators from the EU, the US, Brazil, India, Japan and Australia will meet in London this week for two days of talks intended to move forward the ongoing WTO Doha negotiations. The aim is to put trade at the service of development, create consensus, and give impetus to the wider negotiations in Geneva.
Further details: http://europ a.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/06/275&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLangu age=en

10th March
Competition: Commission publishes information on the role of the Monitoring Trustee in the Microsoft case
The European Commission has published its Decision defining the role of the Trustee in the Microsoft case. The Trustee Decision is the formal document which sets the parameters for the Trustee's work in monitoring Microsoft's compliance with the March 2004 Decision in order to advise the Commission on that compliance.
Further information: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/06/119&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLa nguage=en

Commission reports on national measures to ensure co-existence of genetically modified crops with conventional and organic farming
The development of EU-wide legislation on the co-existence of genetically modified crops with conventional and organic farming does not appear justified at this time, in view of the EU's limited experience with the cultivation of GM crops and the need to conclude the process of introducing national measures.
Details at: http://europa.eu.int /rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/06/293&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

EU-US wine accord will help EU wine trade with US
The European Union and the United States signed a bilateral wine accord that will bring major benefits for EU wine producers. The agreement will help EU winemakers to build on their current success in the US, which is by far the EU's largest export market.
Details at: http://europa.eu.int/rapid /pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/06/294&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

Competition: Commission sends new letter to Microsoft on compliance with decision
The European Commission has sent a letter to Microsoft setting out its preliminary view on how Microsoft is still not in compliance with its obligations under the March 2004 Commission decision.
Details at: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/06/298&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage =en

13th March
Complaints against BMW and General Motors regarding contractual standards required from their dealers and repairers - questions and answers
These cases raised new policy issues under the motor vehicle block exemption Regulation 1400/2002 and, in essence, aimed at removing (i) unjustified obstacles to multi-brand distribution and servicing, and (ii) unnecessary restrictions on garages to become members of the authorised networks.
Full details at: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/06/120&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLangua ge=en

Competition: Commission welcomes changes to General Motors' distribution and servicing agreements
The European Commission has closed its investigation into General Motors' (GM) distribution and servicing agreements following changes to bring them into line with the Commission's car distribution block exemption Regulation 1400/2002.
Full informationn: http://europa.eu .int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/06/303&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

14th March
Company law: Commission welcomes European Parliament agreement on Directive to simplify the formation, maintenance, and alteration of companies' capital
The European Commission welcomed the European Parliament's agreement at first reading on it's proposal for a Directive to make it easier for public limited liability companies to take certain measures affecting the size, structure, and ownership of their capital.
Full details at: http://e uropa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/06/312&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

16th March
Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union on the establishment of the Human Rights Council
The EU welcomed the adoption of the resolution establishing the Human Rights Council by the UN General Assembly on 15 March in New York.
Full details at: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=PESC/06/48&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLangua ge=en

17th March
EU Welcomes Carnegie Research on Development in Doha Talks
A Carnegie Endowment study entitled "Winners and Losers: Impact of the Doha Round on Developing Countries," released reinforces a number of the EU's basic contentions about Doha and the nature of a development round.
Full details at: http://www.eurunion.org/ news/press/2006/20060024.htm

20th March
Governments adopt international rules on trade in GMOs
The Third meeting of the 132 Parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (MOP3 adopted a landmark decision on detailed documentation requirements for genetically modified organisms in the international trade of agricultural commodities.
Full details at: http://euro pa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/06/335&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

21st March
Sustainable Trade: observations on trade and protectionism
A speech by Peter Mandelson, the EU Trade Commissioner, at the DG Trade Stocktaking Conference on Trade Sustainability Impact Assessments, European Commission in Brussels.
Full details at: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=SPEECH/06/187&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

Promotion of EU agricultural products outside the EU
The European Commission has approved measures to provide information on, and to promote agricultural products in third countries including the USA.
Full details at: http://europa.eu .int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/06/346&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

22nd March
European sky protected against unsafe airlines
The European Commission has today adopted the first EU list of airlines which are banned in the European Union. This black list of unsafe airlines will now be published on the Commission's website.
Full details at: http://e uropa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/06/359&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

24th March
EU-Latin America relations in the run-up to the Vienna Summit, 12 May 2006
The key aspects of the EU-Latin America strategic partnership include political dialogue and economic and development co-operation. The strengthening of trade links and the harmonious integration of the partners into the world economy are also key objectives of this partnership.
Details at: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/06/141&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean – working together for greater social solidarity
A high-level conference organised by the European Commission is to be held in Brussels on 27 and 28 March to discuss efforts to combat social inequality, poverty and exclusion in Latin America, the Caribbean and the European Union.
Further information at: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/06/372&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

27th March
EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson in Latin America, 27-31 March 2006
EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson arrived in Santiago, Chile on the first day of a six day visit to Latin America. The Commissioner will visit Chile, Brazil, and Argentina.
Details at: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/06/382&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

Chile and the EU, together in international trade
A speech by Peter Mandelson, EU Trade Commissioner at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Santiago de Chile.
Full speech at: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=SPEECH/06/201&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

29th March
Mergers: Commission clears Cargill’s takeover of DFI
The European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of the food ingredients business of Germany’s Degussa AG by the US-based Cargill group. The Commission was initially concerned about horizontal overlaps of the parties’ activities on the markets for lecithin and therefore opened a detailed inquiry.
Full Details at: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/06/397&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en



E.U GOVERNMENT

Austria


10th March
Plassnik: "Full work programme covering many important international issues"
At a press session before the beginning of the informal meeting of Foreign Ministers in Salzburg, Foreign Minister Plassnik outlined the main priorities for the next two days.
Full details at: http://www.bmaa.gv.at/view.php3?f_id=10622&LNG=en&version=

11th March
"European unification incomplete without the Balkans"
Second day of Foreign Ministers' meeting devoted to the Western Balkans.
Further information at: http://www.bmaa.gv.at/view.php3?f_id=10624&LNG=en&version=

17th March
Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union on the establishment of the Human Rights Council
The EU welcomes the adoption of the resolution establishing the Human Rights Council by the UN General Assembly on 15 March in New York.
Further information at: http://www.bmaa.gv.at/view.php3?f_id=10668&LNG=en&version=

France


14th March
Introductory remarks by M. Jacques Chirac, President of the Republic, at the Sixth Franco-German Council of Ministers
Full speech at: http://www.info-france-usa.org/news/statmnts/2006/franco_german_031406.asp

15th March
Speech by Jacques Chirac, President of the Republic, in honour of the francophone writers present at the book fair during the Francophone festival in France,(excerpts)
Excerpts at: http://www.info-france-usa.org/news/statmnts/2006/francophony_book_fair_chirac_speech031506.asp

30th March
Statements made by M. Philippe Douste-Blazy, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Statement made during his joint press briefing with; German Minister of Foreign Affairs, US Secretary of State, British Foreign Secretary, Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chinese Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the European Union Secretary-General and European Union High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy.
Further details at: http://www.info-france-usa.org/news/statmnts/2006/Iran_nuclear_meeting_berlin033006.asp


Germany


17th March
Foreign policy and the 2006 federal budget
The draft 2006 budget has earmarked 2,290 million euros for the Federal Foreign Office, an increase of 3.9 percent from the previous year.
Further details: http://www.bundesregierung.de/en/Latest-News/Information-from-the-Governmen-,10157.982168/artikel/Foreign-policy-and-the-2006-fe.htm

30th March
Foreign policy and the 2006 federal budget
The draft 2006 budget has earmarked 2,290 million euros for the Federal Foreign Office, an increase of 3.9 percent from the previous year.
Statement at: http://www.bundesregierung.de/en/Latest-News/Information-from-the-Governmen-,10157.982168/artikel/Foreign-policy-and-the-2006-fe.htm


Italy


23rd March
Undersecretary Drago meets with Turkish Ambassador Ziyal
Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs Hon. Giuseppe Drago, in representation of Deputy Premier and Minister for Foreign Affairs Hon. Gianfranco Fini, attended the reception offered by Turkish Ambassador Ziyal for the opening of the celebrations for the 150th anniversary of Italo-Turkish diplomatic relations.
Further information at: http://www.esteri.it/eng/6_38_90_01.asp?id=2318&mod=1&min=0


United Kingdom


3th March
'Torture: Bending the Rules?'
Foreign Office Minister, Dr Kim Howells gave a speech about the use of torture at the Channel 4 debate in the House of Commons. Dr Howells clarified the British Government's stance on torture, stating that: 'We condemn unreservedly its use as a matter of fundamental principle. We condemn it not just in principle but also in practice. And not only do we condemn it, we continue to implement a global campaign to eradicate it.'
http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029391629&a=KArticle&aid=1140689299738%20&year=2006&month=2006-03-01&date=2006-03-07

8th March
Brazil-UK Relations: A New Approach to the 21st Century
The Minister for Trade, Ian Pearson at the UK-Brazil Business Seminar gave a speech about the strength of the UK economy and the potential opportunities this offered to Brazil and the UK. Mr Pearson said: 'Britain and Brazil have much in common – modernising, reforming Governments, committed to economic efficiency and social justice, with strong historical and trading ties.'
Full speech at: http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029391629&a=KArticle&aid=1140689916292%20&year=2006&month=2006-03-01&date=2006-03-08

10th March
UK And Mexico Hold High Level Talks
Foreign Office Minister David Triesman and Head of the Diplomatic Service, Sir Michael Jay, met Ambassador Lourdes Aranda, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs in the Mexican Foreign Ministry, for high level talks in London. On the agenda was a range of bilateral, regional, and multilateral issues.
Further information: http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029391629&a=KArticle&aid=1140689611930%20&year=2006&month=2006-03-01&date=2006-03-10

15th March
Statement by the Foreign Secretary on the Establishment of the UN Human Rights Council
The Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, said on 15 March: 'We warmly welcome the agreement today at the UN General Assembly to establish a new UN Human Rights Council to replace the Commission on Human Rights. The new Council will be better able to address some of the serious human rights challenges we face today.'
Full statement: http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029391629&a=KArticle&aid=1142271106464%20&year=2006&month=2006-03-01&date=2006-03-15

31st March
'Values we Promote at Home, Guide Us Abroad'
Speaking in Blackburn during a visit by Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, the Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, said: '… values guide us at home because by instinct we know them to be right and by experience we know them to be the basis of a successful society. We promote them abroad for the same reasons.'
Full text: http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029391629&a=KArticle&aid=1143789087990%20&year=2006&month=2006-03-01&date=2006-03-31

NGO's

NATO

3rd March
A new NATO
A speech given by NATO Secretary General, Jaap de Hoop Scheffer at the Norwegian Atlantic Committee, Oslo. He discusses the transformation of NATO.
Full speech at: http://www.nato.int/docu/speech/2006/s060303a.htm

WTO

14th March
The DSB adopts the second compliance Panel and Appellate Body reports in the FSC dispute
The DSB adopted) the Appellate Body and the Panel reports on the European Communities’ second recourse to Article 21.5 in the “United States: Tax treatment for ‘Foreign Sales Corporations’”.
Further information: http://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news06_e/dsb_14march06_e.htm

22nd March
Openness fuels solid economic growth – US Trade Policy Review
The United States has undergone solid economic growth since its last Trade Policy Review in 2004 according to a WTO Secretariat report on the trade policies and practices of the United States.
Full details: http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp261_e.htm