U.S. blocks last chance to extend WTO judge's term

GENEVA (Reuters) - The United States forced a fourth judge off the World Trade Organization's appeals body on Wednesday, rejecting a last-chance petition by 67 countries who sought to reappoint him for a second term.

The WTO appeals body normally has seven judges and needs a minimum of three to function. It was already down to four because of the U.S. block on new appointments or reappointments. A judge from Mauritius, Shree Baboo Chekitan Servansing, whose term expires on Sept. 30, will be forced out by the U.S. veto.

(Reporting by Tom Miles; Editing by Matthew Mpoke Bigg)