WTO : Draft report on DSS reform talks, restoration of two-stage DSS doubtfu l (PRIV)
(D. Ravi Kanth, Geneva)
The facilitator overseeing the informal discussions on the reform of the World Trade Organization's dispute settlem ent system (DSS) is apparently planning to issue a draft negotiating text next week following ongoing intense meetings in different groups focused on drafting, implementation, and peer review among others, said people familiar with the development.

UN : Global survey of democracy finds both sobering & alarming results (PRIV)
(IPS, New York)
The recent epidemic of coups in Afric a - including military take-overs in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Gabon - have triggered the inevitable question: Is multi-party democracy on the retreat?

El Salvador : Making little effort to eradicate illiteracy (PRIV)
(IPS, Sensuntepeque)
El Salvador's efforts to improve the educational level in the country seem to be falling short, with rundown sch ools, especially in rural areas, and little progress in overcoming illiteracy.