UNITED STATES - HARBOUR MAINTENANCE TAX

                                                     Request to Join Consultations

                                                     Communication from Norway

        The following communication, dated 3 March 1998, from the Permanent Mission of Norway to the Permanent Mission of the United States, to the Permanent Delegation of the European Commission and to the Dispute Settlement Body, is circulated in accordance with Article 4.11 of the DSU.

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        Pursuant to Paragraph 11 of Article 4 of the Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes (DSU), the Norwegian Government hereby notifies that, in light of the substantial trade interest of Norway, it desires to be joined in the consultations requested by the European Communities in the communication circulated to WTO members on 16 February 1998 (WT/DS118/1), entitled “United States - Harbour Maintenance Tax”.

        Norway’s claim of substantial trade interest is based on the importance of the United States as a market for Norwegian goods.

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