News Summary: Paris wants culture kept out of pact

OFF THE TABLE: France told members of the European Union that the movie and television industry must be kept out of free trade talks with the U.S., even if it delays the formal start of negotiations.

LITTLE ROOM FOR DEBATE: The French foreign trade minister insisted on an explicit exclusion. Other EU nations have vowed to protect the culture industry as well, but most want it in the talks.

BIG POTENTIAL: A free trade pact between the EU and U.S. would create a market with common standards and regulations across countries that together account for nearly half the global economy.