Lawyer: Antigua, US will not settle Internet gambling dispute by deadline

[clevfan]

Lawyer: Antigua, US will not settle Internet gambling dispute by deadline

June 4, 2008

ST. JOHN'S, Antigua — Washington and this tiny Caribbean country will not resolve their dispute over Internet gambling by a Friday deadline, according to Antigua and Barbuda's attorney in the trade battle.

Antigua and Barbuda accuses the U.S. of crippling its lucrative gambling industry by banning Americans from placing online bets with gambling operators, including those based in the twin-island country of 70,000 inhabitants.

Last year, the World Trade Organization backed Antigua's request to target U.S. services, copyrights and trademarks in retaliation for its online betting ban.

Washington and Antigua have since agreed to try and achieve a settlement by a June 6 deadline.

However, Mark Mendel, Antigua's legal counsel in the trade dispute, said in a Tuesday e-mail that he didn't believe that was possible.

"I don't think there is any chance of an agreement by (Friday)," Mendel said. "But the government may decide to continue its negotiating efforts in hopes that some progress is forthcoming."

Mendel said Antigua "is trying hard to get the U.S. to understand that finding common ground makes sense."

Antigua and Barbuda's top finance official on Tuesday made a more conciliatory statement, saying that some recent talks with U.S. trade officials have been productive and could pave the way toward resolution of the gambling dispute.

"I am very encouraged that there are at least components of a possible settlement agreement," said Finance Minister Errol Cort.

"Having said that though, we have not yet reached a position where I can say that the issue has been settled."

Cort said Antiguan and U.S. officials have agreed that a settlement deadline would be extended if more time was needed. He did not disclose specifics.

In its ruling in December, the WTO ruled Antigua could impose only US$21 million in annual trade sanctions against the U.S. in the trade dispute.

Cort has described the WTO's decision as a setback for Antigua, which had sought to apply US$3.4 billion in retaliatory measures.

A law passed by the U.S. Congress in 2006 bars banks and credit card companies from processing payments to online gambling businesses outside the country.

That regulation effectively blocks Antigua's access to the U.S. gambling market, the most lucrative in the world.

[Mr Falcone]

Cort has described the WTO's decision as a setback for Antigua, which had sought to apply US$3.4 billion in retaliatory measures.

Per Year..Do they expect anyone to beleive thats the kinda hit they took from this.........WOW

[Rogthedodger]

There was a study done on it, Mr F. Hartley did an article on it explaining the math. All kinds of factors to consider, can't just take handle and carve out the books' piece.

[Uncle B]

Wtf is Antigua waiting for?


I want a Vista upgrade dammit...

[Mr Falcone]

Originally Posted by Rogthedodger

There was a study done on it, Mr F. Hartley did an article on it explaining the math. All kinds of factors to consider, can't just take handle and carve out the books' piece.