RESTRICTEDWORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONGPA/W/210
26 September 2002
(02-5162)
Committee on Government Procurement Original:  English
COMMUNICATION FROM THE UNITED STATES
The following communication, dated 25 September 2002, has been received from the
Permanent Mission of the United States with the request that it be circulated to the Committee on
Government Procurement.
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On 5 September 2002, the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Korea notified a proposed
modification to its Appendix I to the Agreement on Government Procurement.  It proposed to
withdraw Korea Telecom (KT Corporation) from A nnex 3 of Appendix I.  This notification was
circulated by the Secretariat on 11 September 2002 (GPA/W/207), providing 30 days for other Parties
to object prior to the modification becoming effective.
The United States requires additional time to study and to seek clarification through
consultations with the Government of the Republic of Korea in order to determine whether, pursuant
to Article XXIV:6(b), "government control or influe nce" over KT corporation "has been effectively
eliminated".
For these reasons, the United States objects to the proposed modification taking effect upon
expiration of the 30-day review period.  The United States will endeavour to conduct the necessary
study and consultations as expeditiously as possible, and will keep the Committee apprized as to the
progress and outcome of this review.
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