The European Commission has requested the mediation of the World Trade Organisation's dispute settlement body over China's decision to impose provisional anti-dumping duties on steel fasteners from the EU. The EU's executive said in a statement it considered the duties incompatible with WTO rules. China imposed provisional anti-dumping duties of up 24.6 percent on EU exporters last December. "These duties are unfounded and undermine the legitimate interests of EU companies," EU Trade spokesman John Clancy said in a statement. WTO consultations allow parties a chance to resolve their dispute before a formal WTO panel is set up to rule on this matter. If the consultations are not successful, the EU may request the WTO to set up a WTO panel to rule on the case. (Reuters)