World Trade Organization WT/CTE/COM/13 1 February 2007 (07-0437) Committee on Trade and Environment Original: English request for observer status by the basel convention The following communication addressed to the Chairman of the Committee on Trade and Environment (CTE) has been received from the Executive Secretary of the Basel Convention requesting observer status in the CTE. _______________ The Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention, at its sixth, seventh and eight meetings, requested the secretariat of the Convention to continue and further strengthen its cooperation in critical areas for the effective and concrete implementation of the Basel Convention, its Protocol and amendments with relevant organizations, including the World Trade Organization (WTO). The eighth meeting of the Conference of the Parties, by its decision VIII/7, further requested the secretariat of the Convention to seek observer status in the Committee on Trade