WTO: Director-general campaign phase shortened to two months

The second phase of the World Trade Organization director-general race, when candidates campaign and make themselves known to members, will be shortened from the usual three months to two, the WTO General Council chair announced on Friday. Phase three -- involving consultations with members to narrow down the pool to an eventual consensus candidate -- will last no more than two months as well, the chair said. If the deadlines are met, members could appoint a new director-general in November...