51.   World beef markets are set to recover from the slump sparked by fears about mad cow disease, according to a study released Thursday by the World Trade Organization.

52.   France calls for an urgent EU meeting to discuss measures to support the European beef market.

53.   French Agriculture Minister Philippe Vasseur stepped up the pressure on Britain, calling for an urgent EU meeting to discuss support measures for the international beef market.

54.   French Agriculture Minister Philippe Vasseur called Wednesday for an urgent EU meeting to discuss support measures for the international beef market.

55.   Consumption of beef has slumped in many EU countries and Fischler was expected to propose measures to support the beef market to the ministers meeting here.

56.   Meanwhile the EU committee for management of the beef market was expected to meet to study the state of the market and propose measures to support trading if necessary.

57.   On Thursday the French government called on the European Union to step up protection of the beef market from non-EU imports.

58.   Other countries which rely heavily on farming want the EU to resume intervention buying to relieve paralysis in the beef market.

59.   Spanish Agriculture Minister Loyola de Palacio said she opposed financing the beef market to the detriment of fruit and vegetable and olive oil sectors.

60.   The beef market would also be affected by cereals prices through higher feed costs.