Chilean appointed to high position at the World Trade Organization

To see international photos, click here

GENEVA.- The Chilean ambassador to the World Trade Organization (WTO), Mario Matus, has been chosen to head the entity's Dispute Settlement Body. Matus will replace Australian representative Bruce Gosper, who will go on to preside over the WTO General Council for the next 12 months.

The WTO Dispute Settlement Body is in charge of resolving million-dollar trade conflicts. Heading the Dispute Settlement Body is considered to be just one step prior to being selected as chairman for the General Council.

Matus has just finished leading the WTO's working party on the admission of Ukraine to the organization.

Traditionally, the president of the Dispute Settlement Body alternates between developed and developing countries. Within the developing countries, the position is rotated through the different continents. This year, the post corresponds to the continent of Latin America and the Caribbean.