Bob Dole: “I am disappointed that the United States and Japanese negotiators were unable to reach agreement on market access…”

“I am disappointed that the United States and Japanese negotiators were unable to reach agreement on market access barriers in Japan. Nevertheless, the last thing we need is an ineffective trade agreement that fails to address the real problems foreign firms have in penetrating the Japanese market. I met, along with the majority leader, this morning with Prime Minister Hosokawa and Foreign Minister Hata and we had a very frank exchange. The Prime Minister agreed that the chronic trade imbalance between Japan and the world is unacceptable and must be resolved. I support U.S. Trade Representative Mickey Kantor in his determination to seek a meaningful agreement. Now he must redouble his efforts. This is a bipartisan issue. We have been working with Japan for many years trying to resolve these problems. The time has come for Japan to understand that global economic leadership carries obligations. Mr. President, Japan must continue to move to join the ranks of open markets in the global trading system. I agree with the President who said that no agreement is better than an ineffective agreement.”