/ 19 January 2000

EU IN SA FOR TRADE TALKS

A SENIOR European Union official arrived in South Africa on Tuesday for talks aimed at rescuing a free trade accord that was due to come into effect on January 1, but has been held up by Italian and Greek objections. A spokesman for Trade and Industry Minister Alec Erwin said that EU development commissioner Poul Nielson is in the country and will meet with the minister later in the day.