GENEVA, June 20, 2007 (AFP) - Arbitrators will decide on Antigua's attempt to impose 3.44 billion dollars (2.56 billion euros) in fines on the United States over a dispute on Internet gambling, the World Trade Organisation said Tuesday.

A meeting of the WTO's Dispute Settlement Body was informed that Washington lodged the arbitration request on Monday, objecting to the level of the sanctions and procedural issues.

'The United States would emphasise that the level of Antigua's request is patently excessive,' the United States said in a statement to the meeting.