4.争议解决

4，DisputeSettlement

　　　争端解决是多边贸易体制的核心支柱，同时也是WTO对全球经济稳定的独特贡献。如果没有解决争端的手段，一个以规则为基础的体制的效力就会下降，因为它的规则是不能被强制执行的。WTO程序尤其强调依靠法律进行治理，同时，这也使得贸易体系更加可靠，更具可预见性。WTO的争端解决体系建立在明确定义的规则之上，并且对完成案件裁决规定了时间期限。

Dispute settlement is the central pillar of themultilateral trading system, and the WTO’s unique contribution to the stabilityof the global economy. Without a means of settling disputes, the rules-basedsystem would be less effective because the rules could not be enforced. The WTO’sprocedure underscores the rule of law, and it makes the trading system moresecure and predictable. The dispute settlement system of WTO is based onclearly-defined rules, with timetables for completing a case.

然而，（争端解决机制）的关键并不在于裁决的作出。通过磋商来解决问题才是优先的选择。截至2008年1月，在接近369件案件中，只有大约136件完成了整个专家组程序。其余案件大多数或已通过“庭外”和解得以解决或仍处于旷日持久的磋商阶段来——一案件甚至从1995年至今仍在进行磋商。

However ,the point is not to pass judgment. Thepriority is to settle disputes, through consultations if possible. By January2008, only about 136 of the nearly 369 cases had reached the full panelprocess. Most of the rest have either been notified as settled “out of court”or remain in a prolonged consultation phase- some since 1995.

　　　如果法院发现它们所处理的刑事案件在不断增加，是否意味着法律和程序已经被破坏？并不一定。有时候，这也意味着人们更加信任法庭和法治。人们向法院寻求救济，而非通过私了来解决问题。WTO之中的情形在很大程度上就是这样。没有人希望看到国与国之间的争吵。但是，如果发生贸易争端，根据国际普遍接受的规则来处理争议无疑是更为合理的方式。我们有足够的理由相信，不断增多的争议只不过是世界贸易扩张以及乌拉圭回合中形成的更加严格的规则的结果;我们也有足够的理由相信，更多案件进人WTO 的事实反映了人们对这个体系的信心在不断增长。

If the courts find themselves handling an increasingnumber of criminal cases, does that mean law and order is breaking down? Notnecessarily. Sometimes it means that people have more faith in the courts andthe rule of law. They are turning to the courts instead of taking the law intotheir own hands. For the most part, that is what is happening in the WTO. Noone likes to see countries quarrel. But if there are going to be trade disputesanyway, it is healthier that the cases are handled according to internationallyagreed rules. There are strong grounds for arguing that the increasing numberof disputes is simply the result of expanding world trade and the stricterrules negotiated in the Uruguay Round; and that the fact that more are comingto the WTO reflects a growing faith in the system.

广州乐传翻译公司--法律翻译、合同翻译专家。