WTO COOL Hearing Open to Public

The World Trade Organization (WTO) said the upcoming two-day hearing on the complaints Canada and Mexico brought against U.S. country-of-origin labeling (COOL) rules will be open to the public.

"At the request of the parties in the dispute, the panel has agreed to open its second substantive meeting with the parties on Dec. 1-2 with a session open to public viewing at the WTO headquarters in Geneva," the trade watchdog said in a statement posted on its Web site.

Hearings are normally held behind closed doors. Litigating governments argue the case in private. Recently, more and more hearings are being opened to the public. Private-sector lawyers still have no right to make their arguments before dispute panels.

People wishing to attend the public session in Geneva, Switzerland, must reserve their place in advance. Forms are available through www.wto.org.

The panel is expected to rule on the controversial case next year.