GENEVA, Dec 6 (AFP) - The United States called Thursday for the speedyabolition of agricultural export subsidies but acknowledged that not allits trading parters are as eager as it to get rid of them.US negotiator James Grueff, addressing a press briefing here, recalledthat the World Trade Organization at a ministerial conference in Qatarlast month backed negotiations on the abolition of export subsidies.The conference was held in the Qatari capital Doha to approve an agendafor a new round of multilateral negotiations aimed at lowering globaltrade barriers."It is very clear to us from the language (adopted in Doha) that ministerscommitted to phasing out, ending, terminating -- however you want to callit, the phrasing in the text is 'phasing out' -- export subsidies," Grueffsaid."As for precisely when that happens, that is obviously a matter fornegotiations. We would like to see that happen sooner rather than later,of course."Obviously ... not all our negotiating partners have that view, so thatwill be something left for negotiations," said Grueff, who is assistantdeputy administrator for international trade at the US Department ofAgriculture.The WTO meeting in the Qatari capital Doha came close to collapse in a rowpitting the United States and its allies in the Cairns Group ofagricultural exporters against the European Union.US demands for language in a final statement calling for the eventualelimination of export subsidies were vigrously opposed by EUrepresentatives, who insisted that such a text would interfere with theirown timetable to reform the farming sector.EU officials have also argued that some form of government assistance isnecessary to preserve rural economies and culture.The dispute was finally resolved with the addition of language committingthe WTO to wide-ranging talks on agriculture with no "prejudgement" oftheir outcome."It is our hope we can begin aggressive negotiations in March, pursuingour mandate from Doha," Grueff said."The United States continues to have very ambitious objectives for thesenegotiations."