Statement of Neena Moorjani, Spokesperson, Regarding the Softwood Lumber Issue
08/12/2005
“Ambassador Portman spoke with Minister Peterson yesterday.
It was a cordial and candid conversation.
“Ambassador Portman
conveyed the respect the United States has for the NAFTA process. He explained
that this particular ECC decision related to a 2002 ITC determination that has
been superceded by a November 2004 ITC determination issued to comply with a
separate WTO decision. The 2004 ITC determination is now the basis for the
antidumping and countervailing duty orders, which remain in place. That
2004 ITC determination was not reviewed in the ECC
proceeding.
“As we have in the past, we will continue to comply
with our trade obligations.
“Ambassador Portman reiterated that
it is in the interest of the United States and Canada to reach a permanent
negotiated solution. He also said that he hopes to continue the
discussions toward a negotiated solution.”