Unblocking Doha talks will take time, Lamy says

GENEVA, July 24 (Reuters) Unblocking the Doha round of trade talks will not happen quickly, and may require countries to revamp their negotiating positions, World Trade Organisation (WTO) Director-General Pascal Lamy said on Monday.

Speaking after the collapse of last-ditch talks meant to save the faltering global trade negotiations, Lamy said WTO countries needed to keep their offers on the table and avoid blaming one another for the suspension.

''I have recommended to members today that we suspend all negotiations to allow a time out for governments to review the situation, examine options and review positions,'' he told a news conference, stressing new negotiating stances were needed to revive the talks, which have already lasted nearly five years.

''It's not a little bit of time or a little bit of compromise that will lead to a result,'' he said.

Attempts by six trade powers to keep the WTO's Doha round on track failed on Monday when the talks were suspended. That raised the prospect that the negotiations could face further long delays.

Lamy said the breakdown cast doubt over the multilateral approach to opening up trade flows, and could have consequences for the geopolitical environment at a pivotal time for the global economy.

''We have missed a very important opportunity to prove that multilateralism works,'' he said.

While the WTO will continue to be involved with countries on an informal basis, Lamy said it was up to member states to take the initiative to get the round moving again.

REUTERS MQA ND2336