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Home > Programs > Trade and Agriculture > WTO Meeting: Doha > Trade unions and NGOs hold demo as WTO opens in Doha 9/11/2001 |
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Trade unions and NGOs hold demo as WTO opens in Doha 9/11/2001ICFTU ONLINE According to ICFTU sources in Doha, an unexpected but peaceful demonstration led by unions and NGOs took place at the entrance to the Conference Centre where the opening ceremony of the 4th Ministerial WTO Conference was set to start at 17.30 local time (14.30 GMT). For half an hour, demonstrators stood carrying signs which read "NO Voice in the WTO", attracting attention from both media and delegates. Many of the demonstrators had taped up their mouths as a symbolic protest at working peoples' absence from the negotiating rooms of the WTO. Led by NGO leaders and ICFTU General Secretary Bill Jordan, the demonstration attracted over 100 participants. Due to the heavy security precautions in place, it could not be announced in advance. At a given signal, protesters took out placards reading "NO voice in the WTO". The Qatari authorities looked on in amazement, but did not react. "We want to give a clear message here in Qatar, just as thousands are doing around the world as part of the Global Unions Day of Action, that globalisation needs to work for people, and that the WTO must become more open and democratic", said Bill Jordan. Full list of the Unions Day of Action For more information, contact the ICFTU Press Department on 32 2 224 0232 or James Howard in Doha on 32 4 97 540 333. ### |
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