Ambassador Crawford Falconer of New Zealand has begun the move to step down as chair of the World Trade Organization Doha Round agriculture negotiations. Falconer was originally scheduled to depart his position at the end of 2008, but with negotiations seemingly moving forward, Falconer opted to stay, hoping to conclude the talks. But, with the United States disengaged because of the transition of administration, Falconer has decided to leave.
According to the New Zealand government, Falconer will take on the post of Deputy Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. David Walker has succeeded Falconer as New Zealand's Permanent Representative in Geneva. The next chair of the farm talks will be decided by the WTO Membership.
Negotiators say Falconer will be hard to replace because he had a combination of listening skills and technical knowledge of the talks.
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