Lamy wins panel’s nomination to head WTO

GENEVA - Former European Union trade chief Pascal Lamy has been nominated by a special selection panel to be the next head of the World Trade Organisation, a senior trade diplomat said on Friday.

"He got the most support," the diplomat told Reuters.

His rival, Uruguayan trade diplomat Carlos Perez del Castillo, will ask his government to withdraw his candidacy, said the diplomat, who had access to the decision.

The recommendation, which will be difficult for the WTO's 148 member states to ignore, given the rules agreed for the succession, was set to be announced to members at 1500 GMT (3am Sat NZ time).

The panel, headed by Kenyan ambassador Amina Mohamed, decided after holding consultations with members that Lamy was better placed to achieve "consensus" support than del Castillo.

- REUTERS