February 3, 2006	Friday	Muharram 4, 1427

GENEVA, Feb 2: The European Union and United States sparred at the World Trade Organization on Thursday over aid for aircraft manufacturers Boeing and Airbus, accusing each other of breaching the rules of commerce.

At a meeting of the WTO dispute settlement body, the EU hardened its existing complaint against the US before the international body.

Brussels demanded the creation of a new panel to probe what it says are additional US subsidies for Boeing, beyond those cited in an earlier case it launched at the WTO.

The United States blocked the request — something it is allowed to do just once under WTO rules. The WTO is expected to give a green light at its next meeting on February 17, diplomats said.—AFP