Argentina has launched a new challenge to the European Union over the bloc's rules on the import of biofuels, the World Trade Organization said Wednesday. "Argentina has notified the WTO Secretariat, on May 15, of a request for consultations with the European Union on measures imposed by the EU and/or its Member States that affect the importation and marketing of biodiesel and implementing measures as well as measures supporting the biodiesel industry," the Geneva-based body said in a statement.

Roberto Azevedo of Brazil on Tuesday vowed to revive the deadlocked World Trade Organization, as he was confirmed formally as the incoming leader of the 159-nation body which sets the rules for global commerce. "I have been working in and with this organisation continuously for the last 15 years," Azevedo, still officially Brazil's WTO ambassador, told a session of its ruling General Council which approved him as its next leader.

Canada welcomed Wednesday the appointment of Brazilian diplomat Roberto Azevedo to head the World Trade Organization, urging him to fight the threat that protectionism poses to the global economic recovery. "I would like to congratulate Ambassador Azevedo on his appointment as director-general of the WTO and offer him Canada's full support during this critical time in the organization's history and in our global economy," Canadian Trade Minister Ed Fast said in a statement.

GENEVA - The incoming head of the World Trade Organization says his first priority will be to try to rescue its credibility as a forum for trade negotiations. Brazilian Ambassador Roberto Azevedo told a packed room of reporters at Brazil's WTO mission Wednesday that "the negotiating pillar of the WTO is clearly stuck." At the WTO, diplomats and officials congratulated Azevedo on his selection as WTO director general for the next four years. Azevedo also said it is important to close "the gap" between the WTO's rules and how things really are between trading nations.