US says withheld new farm offer when others balked

WASHINGTON, July 24 (Reuters) The United States privately indicated in world trade talks it could accept deeper farm subsidy cuts, but withheld that offer when it became obvious that key developed and developing countries still weren't opening up their markets, U.S.

officials said on Monday.

''We provided for (WTO Director General Pascal Lamy) significant flexibilities in the U.S. position, contingent on additional market access'' from others, U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab told reporters. ''When we started going around the room, it was very clear that no one had budged.'' REUTERS MQA ND2308