DEVELOPING countries resisting attempts by rich countries to link trade issues conditions have barred the head of the International Labour Organisation from addressing key trade talks, according to sources.

On Monday, ILO (International Labour Organisation) director-general Mr Michel Hansenne was invited to address next week's ministerial meeting of the World Trade Organisation in Singapore, and had been expected to argue for a firmer link between trade and labour conditions.

But developing countries fiercely opposed to a WTO "social clause" - including India, Pakistan, Egypt and Malaysia - complained and the invitation was withdrawn the next day.

The contentious issue of labour standards has been placed on the global agenda by the United States, with backing from some European partners.