WORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONWT/L/332
29 October 1999
(99-4705)
Original:  French
COMOROS
Request for Observer Status at the 1999 Ministerial Conference
The following communication, dated 26 October 1999, received from the Commissioner of
the Ministry of Economy, Trade, Industry and Handicrafts of the Islamic Federal Republic of the
Comoros, is circulated to Members.
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I refer to the Third WTO Ministerial Conference  that is to take place from 30 November to
3 December 1999 in Seattle, United States.
The Islamic Federal Republic of the Comoros has taken part in all the various meetings at all
levels leading up to this major meeting of the millennium.
It is also actively and conscientiously preparing its accession to the Organization, but under
conditions that will enable it to fulfill its ensuing obligations.
The Islamic Federal Republic of the Comoros therefore considers that it needs to be present in
the organizational process up to the final stage of actual accession, which should take place shortlyaccording to schedule.
However, like some other countries, owing to budgetary constraints, the Islamic Federal
Republic of the Comoros is unable to bear the cost of participation in the Seattle meeting as an
observer.
In view of the importance of this third Conference, I have the honour to request that your
Organization kindly defray the expenses of a Comorian delegation consisting of three senior officials
from the Ministry of the Economy and Trade.
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