31/05/2001 (Agence Europe) - During an informal meeting. Monday evening in Brussels, the EU Ministers for Trade called on the European Commission to continue its confidence building efforts with developing countries in view of reaching the consensus necessary to be able to launch, as of this year, a new round of negotiations in the World Trade Organisation (WTO). According to the Communiqué released by the Council Presidency, the Ministers notably insisted with Commissioner Pascal Lamy over the need to intensify the contacts with these countries and to "pay special attention to the requests they make", including the clarifications expected as to the EU position over "a few new issues". We notably mentioned trade and the environment, trade and fundamental standards for work and the implementation of prior trade agreement, specified the Swedish Minister Lief Pagrotsky following the session.