Central America trade talks with Europe fruitless

GUATEMALA CITY, Oct 10 (Reuters) - Trade talks between the European Union and Central American countries failed to bear fruit on Friday with continuing disagreement on tariffs for coffee, sugar and bananas.

Central American countries want to see tariffs on bananas meant to favor former European colonies slashed, but negotiators from Guatemala told reporters little progress had been made as talks over the past few days wound down.

"A discussion on these products will be possible once we have a reasonably ambitious offer from the Central American side," said European Union negotiator Rupert Schlegelmilch at the talks in Guatemala City.

A new round of talks is due to take place in Brussels in December. (Reporting by Sarah Grainger; Editing by Diane Craft)