Subject: MAI in Jeopardy Date: Thu, 23 Oct 1997 From: Michael Eisenscher <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> (by way of Tom Condit <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>) For Immediate Release October 23, 1997 For More Information: Michael Dolan (USA) 202-546-4996 (x322) Media Advisory Multilateral Agreement on Investment in Jeopardy Behind schedule, OECD convenes 11th Hour "Consultation" with International NGO Community Nader group dispatches organizers to oppose stealth treaty WHAT: The Multilateral Agreement on Investment (MAI) is a new investment pact currently being negotiated at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), based in Paris. Renato Ruggerio, World Trade Organization Director General, has called the MAI "the constitution of a single global economy." Though negotiations began in 1995 -- and the MAI is now 95% complete -- this is the first time negotiators have allowed representatives from civil society to contribute their perspectives on the controversial corporate charter contained in the MAI. WHO: Founded by Ralph Nader in 1971, Public Citizen is a nonprofit citizen research, lobbying and litigation organization based in Washington, DC. The Global Trade Watch team works to promote the needs and interests of citizens in international trade agreements in every public forum: Congress, the courts, government agencies, international tribunals and the news media. In addition, Public Citizen's Global Trade Watch produces and distributes extensive materials on how international trade agreements affect food, health and safety, jobs and wages, the environment and the democratic process. Global Trade Watch will be represented in Paris by Field Director Michael Dolan and Organizer Chantell Taylor. WHERE: Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development 14, passage Dubail (1st Floor), Paris Metro stop: Entrance across from 55, Rue des Vinaigriers Strasbourg-St-Denis WHEN: Tuesday, October 28, 11:00 AM WHY: Throughout Monday, October 27th, Public Citizen's Global Trade Watch will join over forty other NGO for a so-called "consultation" at the OECD. We intend to present a list of demands to the MAI negotiators at the OECD; if these demands are rejected, Public Citizen and other NGO's will renounce the "consultation" process and begin to work together to defeat the MAI in our home countries -- to ensure that the treaty is never ratified nor its provisions codified. Best Regards, David Briars ----------------------------------------------------------------------- U.S. McLibel Support Campaign Email [EMAIL PROTECTED] PO Box 62 Phone/Fax 802-586-9628 Craftsbury VT 05826-0062 http://www.mcspotlight.org/