OTHER NEWS - May 21, 1993

‘Fast-Track’ Renewal Sought for Trade Talks: The Clinton Administration revved up the pace on tortuous efforts to strike a world trade deal and put Japan on notice it was time to play ball. U.S. Trade Representative Mickey Kantor said it was “critical” that Congress give impetus to the seven-year GATT talks by quickly renewing President Clinton’s “fast-track” negotiating authority. Kantor urged the Senate Finance Committee to grant the special authority by early July, when Clinton is due to meet the leaders of the world’s richest nations at a key Group of Seven summit in Tokyo. Under fast track, Clinton could finalize a General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade pact to liberalize world commerce without the risk of legislative tinkering.