Group 77 and China, 4th, April 2008.

Group 77 and China, 4th, April 2008.


Reminder by the Chair:

Sub theme 3 is almost clean. Some delegations (US and EU) want to reopen negotiations on it on intellectual property rights. Need to find a compromise.
Still problems on § 127 where we look for an adjustment, and § 95 bis (language problem).
EU do not want any reference to ‘dissent work’, we could have it in the policy response in sub theme 3.

Sub theme 4 still knows some movements.
We will not be flexible on the independence of the secretariat, but we can be on technical cooperation issues. Trade and Development Board keeps its own mandate.
The challenge for next week will be the commissions (change in numbering issues and agreed outcomes).

Honduras:

· Honduras requests interpretation even in pre-conference. It is a crucial point from their point of view that all the ambassadors can understand and be understood.
· Concerning sub theme 3, reopening the negotiations and reinterpretations is particularly dangerous. Concession will be needed of some other points.


Chair:
The secretariat would like section C to become the guidelines for its work. Our Group does not want this because such a decision can create a precedent, it does not want explication on the implementation. But it is acceptable to write a paragraph at the end saying that the guidelines would be drawn from section C. It is an alternative and a good solution. The problem of the first proposed solution is for the financing for development next semester.
‘Dissent work’ is a good solution in the policy response in sub theme 3.


Thailand:
Thailand asks for a document showing the main elements of the whole text: it would be helpful for ambassadors.
If negotiations are reopened, it will be important to speak in general terms.


Chair:
US and EU want to reopen on this matter because the paragraph is good from our point of view.

Honduras:
There is an important risk to reopen the negotiations. We need a strategy because negotiations are ‘open’ until Accra. There is no real need to ‘reopen’ it.

Argentina:
Argentina shared Honduras views concerning the US and EU’s reopening wills. Moreover in Accra there will be experts from the capitals. We need to maintain and avoid the fight for reopening.
Risk of confusion concerning the changing numbering. Cannot we maintain it?


Chair:
We can maintain it and change it only at the very end.

Philippines:
Negotiations are almost ending. We need to be clear on what is to be considered as important. We need to define priorities, such as section C.

‘Session is closed’.

Suzanne Roset.