10/03/2011 (Agence Europe) - US complaint at WTO against Airbus - Washington contemplates retaliatory measures. When questioned by a Senate committee about the follow-up to be given to last June's WTO ruling on the US complaint filed against EU member state support for the European aircraft manufacturer Airbus (DS 316), US Trade Representative Ron Kirk intimated on Wednesday 9 March that the US administration did not rule out using retaliatory measures. “This is a matter that we take very seriously as it concerns one of our most powerful industries and hundreds of thousands of jobs. We shall do everything we can to protect it”, Kirk said. He went on to say: “We have several means available to us when it comes to retaliation. However, we are not there yet. We shall consult with stakeholders on what it is appropriate to do”. The issue is currently under scrutiny in appeal at Geneva. (E.H./transl.jl)