22/04/2013 (Agence Europe) - WTO, five candidates still in contention to take over from Pascal Lamy. Following an initial round of consultations of the member countries of the multilateral organisation, a list of the four candidates to take the reins of the WTO with the slimmest chances of receiving a consensus has ruled out Ghana's Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen, Anabel Gonzalez of Costa Rica, Kenyan Amina C. Mohamed and Jordan's Ahmad Thougan Hindawi from the race. A second round of consultations started on 16 April and is due to conclude on 24 April, concerning the remaining five candidates, the Indonesian Mari Elka Pangestu, Tim Groser of New Zealand, Mexico's Herminio Blanco, Taeho Bark of Korea and Brazilian Roberto Azevedo. Three candidates are expected to withdraw after the second round in line with the member countries' preferences. The next director general will take up his or her duties on 1 September. (EH/transl.fl)