Japan, Australia remain divided over FTA after ministerial talks+

TOKYO, Oct. 26 Kyodo -
Japan and Australia on Monday failed to narrow gaps over an envisioned free
trade agreement after Japanese farm minister Hirotaka Akamatsu and visiting
Australian Trade Minister Simon Crean held talks, farm ministry officials said.

During the meeting, Crean called for an early conclusion to the FTA, while
Akamatsu was more cautious about striking an accord including politically
sensitive farm products, the officials said.
Referring to rice, wheat, beef, sugar and dairy products, Akamatsu, minister of
agriculture, forestry and fisheries, told Crean, ''This is a delicate issue and
I hope you understand Japan's position,'' according to the officials.
Agriculture has been a major stumbling block as Japanese agricultural lobbies
are opposed to the inclusion of these items in a free trade pact with
Australia.
The two countries started FTA negotiations in April 2007.
==Kyodo
2009-10-26 22:53:35