GATT settling down to liberalize trade

Major trading nations are expected to clear the way today for the start of tough bargaining to remove trade barriers and expand world commerce. Delegates to a meeting of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade said Tuesday they had broad agreement on a negotiating structure aimed at liberalizing trade in goods and services.

They expressed optimism that they would resolve differences on agricultural issues - necessary for the full negotiating package to be approved at a special meeting today. The package would set terms for the hard bargaining in the ``Uruguay Round,'' launched by ministers last September and due to last four years.