Celso Amorim Quotes (32 Quotes)

I've been in trade negotiations for more than 20 years now. You know when someone wants some more of you, or when they are just reciting their case. What we heard yesterday was just a re-recitation of their proposal. It led me to the conclusion that they are setting the bar very high on industrial goods, because they don't even want to talk about agriculture.

There is no accord yet, only an idea.

This is an opportunity, we cannot allow this to be another Seattle, another Cancun,

I'm very hopeful ... that the panel will be able to have a fresh look at this dossier and enable the Security Council to take the policy decisions,

We will not lower the level of ambition of the round. If necessary we may lower the level of expectation for Hong Kong,

Most of the things the business people in the rich world wanted, they got in the Uruguay Round.

Of course if things happen in the way that they apparently happened this time it may play into the hands of terrorism.

We welcome the fact that it was made, we think that it's a positive step, but there's also an agreement that it's an insufficient step,

There is no accord yet, only an idea. This is a theme that needs to be examined when we receive a concrete proposal.

The worst possible scenario would be to lower the ambition and try to do something on the cheap side. If you don't have an appropriate result now, we'll have to wait another 20 years to have real reform in agriculture.

We are ready to talk, but it is just an exploratory conversation, since Brazil isn't negotiating with the United Kingdom. The negotiation involves the G-20 (the group of 21 developing countries), Europe, and the United States.

Whatever the council decides on actions it wishes to take, they have to involve some kind of engagement of Iraq. You cannot put in place a system unless you talk to the people who have the system in place.

The fact that we are able to show solidarity among developing countries all across the issues despite difficulties ... was absolutely fundamental to arriving to an agreement on the development package.

We feel that these should not be tit-for-tat negotiations, this is something everyone should understand. Brazil and others are prepared to make some movement of our own and do everything that is necessary to move forward. This is an important step in the fight against poverty and I believe it is something that we must commit fully to achieving.

If you ask of specific progress, I'd say we are committed to remain politically engaged, they had be prepared to add political impetus required to reach an agreement.

This was a modest but not insignificant deal which could be a driving force to make real cuts in agricultural subsidies.

We don't want to bury the agreement, ... and we don't want to resuscitate it, either.

That will make it easier for Brazilian firms to participate in infrastructure projects.

made no proposal and then what there was went up in smoke. . . . He circled around the subject and seemed to be opening the door but then made absolutely clear he was not making a proposal.

It has to be a person with the capacity and the political vision to handle a difficult situation.

Talks have reached a critical stage and negotiators need to reach a deal on agriculture in the next two weeks if efforts to restart the Doha round by the end of the year are to succeed. Some speak of a deadlock in the talks, ... I prefer to talk of a padlock, and the key is in the hands of the EU.

In the logic of the current negotiations, market access will determine whether there will be a virtuous cycle leading to a positive result, and that depends fundamentally on the European Union.

It would not lessen the shock and concern, but it would be something concrete in addition to the apologies.

Now it is clear that unless a miracle occurs - and I'm not even sure what kind of miracle - we won't have a final deal ... in Hong Kong.

What's on the table today, taking into account all aspects, isn't sufficient. There's a lot more work to do.

The Europeans need to show real flexibility on market access, ... We came here for a discussion basically on agriculture.

This meeting is especially important as the committee had not met since 1987.

We all have a general idea of the numbers, but when we reach this point, it is important to have a precise idea of the numbers.

There was a very good personal chemistry, ... Both men are pragmatists, focused on results.

I think that we may have to be content with a little less, ... But if that happens, it does not mean lowering the ambition of the round.

This is a key issue for the G20. There is a general view that without agreement on special products and Special Safeguard Mechanisms, other things can't go forward.

My assessment is there is no reason why we shouldn't be able to come to an agreement ... because the differences now seem to be in my reading very small,