Every extra delay reduces the chances of a deal being done that will lift people out of poverty, ... Promises have been made repeatedly by rich countries to remove barriers to farm trade. But this rearguard action by the French and other EU member states is undermining even the minimal progress made.

The talks have moved forward a few inches but the question is who will benefit? Issues of vital importance to developing countries are still being ignored.

[Oxfam, the international aid agency, said in a press release that] renewed deadlock in world trade talks due to lack of movement by the E.U. could scupper the chances of a deal being done by the end of the year and signal continued suffering for millions of poor farmers. ... Rear-guard action by the French and other E.U. member states is undermining even the minimal progress made.

These talks were meant to deliver for development, ... It's not good enough for the big players to strike a last-minute deal that suits them but leaves poor countries out in the cold.

What looks on the surface like a genuine attempt to move the talks forward is in fact a very clever piece of maneuvering by the U.S.,

This proposal, ... would allow them to get away with doing next to nothing in return for some very painful concessions from developing countries. The devil is in the details, and these details are very devilish indeed.

All players need to focus on what was promised four years ago: reform of world trade rules that boosts development.