KOREA FILM COMPLAINT SUSPENDED

The Motion Picture Export Assn. of America says it is suspending its unfair trade complaint against Korea for 30 days while talks continue with the Korean government.

“We are for the time being holding off activation of our trade complaint while we try to work out, with good faith on both sides of the table, the issues on access for U.S. films, television programs and home video material to the Korean marketplace,” said Jack Valenti, head of the association.

The association had filed a complaint last month with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative complaining that Korea had imposed “unreasonable” restrictions on the distribution of U.S. films.

The U.S. Trade Representative’s office was prepared to launch an investigation of the complaint when the Koreans approached the export association late last week about conducting negotiations.

An aide to Valenti said that he remains “cautiously optimistic” about negotiations.