OHIO's PORTMAN HEADS TO OMB

Move may hinder GATT talks

U.S. Special Trade Representative Rob Portman has been appointed by President Bush to head the Office of Management & Budget (OMB). Portman represented Ohio in the U.S. Congress 1993-2005. Critics say the move indicates increasing pessimism by the White House over the likelihood of a GATT agreement this year. The European Union's (EU) chief trade negotiator reacted to the Portman nomination, saying it further complicates the job of moving the talks ahead.