Clinton's WTO Stance
Said Harmful For Ag

OMAHA, Neb. —(AP)— U.S. Sen. Chuck Hagel and Rep. Doug Bereuter, two of Nebraska's Republican delegates, had harsh words Friday for President Clinton following his suggestion that worldwide labor standards be enforced with trade sanctions.

Clinton's remarks Wednesday in Seattle, where the World Trade Organization conference was underway, undermined the efforts of U.S. delegates to reduce agricultural tariffs and eliminate export subsidies, Bereuter said.

``The future of Nebraska farm profitability depends on winning this fight,'' Bereuter said. ``In the long run, we cannot sustain huge taxpayer-supported payments to help our farmers. We must open up foreign markets and be allowed to compete fairly in them.''

Hagel echoed Bereuter's condemnation, saying the president's comments were meant to appease labor unions and protesters at the expense of Nebraska farmers and ranchers.

``It is ridiculous at an international meeting where we're seeking to open markets that President Clinton would throw in a trade barrier,'' Hagel said. ``The goal of these negotiations is to increase trade, and our president is talking about another way to impose sanctions that would limit trade.''