Strasbourg, 13/02/2003 (Agence Europe) - By adopting the common resolution of the EPP-ED, PES, ELDR and Greens/EFA on WTO negotiations on agricultural trade, the European Parliament has insisted on the fact that the Doha cycle is a genuine development round. It is appealing for a reduction in customs duties and all quantitative restrictions affecting agricultural imports from less developed countries. It has also come out for a reduction in all kinds of export subsidies. It believes that well targeted and transparent support measures that promote environmental objectives in the area of rural development, employment and animal welfare be exempt from reduction commitments. It also highlights the right of every country to set its own environmental, food safety and consumer protection standards. In this context, WTO rules should not limit compulsory or voluntary labelling plans. Parliament regrets that the proposals on promoting animal welfare in international trade do not go far enough. It is insisting on the need to go forward in parallel discussions on geographical indications, in order to facilitate the protection of certain traditional production methods. It is requesting that the bilateral agreements that distort trade and encourage Europe' strategic dependency on imports for developed countries are revised.