Political Quotes

“I want to explain to colleagues that is not correct. It will be impossible to reopen the agreement, as Mr. Bateman suggests. The agreement currently provides that no subsidies may be awarded under the agreement after the effective date of the agreement, July 15. Subsidies may be granted before that point as long as the vessel is constructed by December 31, 1998. The signatories had originally agreed that the agreement would take effect on February 1, 1996. That date had to be delayed 6 months because the United States was not ready to implement. However, the December 31, 1998, delivery date remained in place. The administration is merely seeking a change applicable to all countries that would extend the delivery date 6 months to match the delayed starting date. The administration is not renegotiating the agreement. This change can be made merely through an understanding. Our trading partners appear to be willing to discuss this limited change that applies to all countries equally. However, our trading partners have told us that they will not renegotiate the agreement under the terms set forth in the Bateman amendment because it would destroy the balance in the agreement and give the United States an undue advantage.”