E-drug: FTA with Andean community: IP negotiations broken. USA to Vet
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Dear E-druggers:
As most of you are in knowledge, there is a process of negotiation of a Free
Trade Agreement between Colombia, Equatro and Peru, and of course, it
includes an especial chapter on Intellectual property rights. A lot of
organizations had expressed their concerns about the TRIPS Plus provisions
in this kind of agreements. He have a lot of messages on this matter in our
network.
Andean's Countries had contracted (by UNDP) an adviser, expert on IP, in
order to make the best possible negotiation. Ministries of Health of the
three countries were in a seminary a month ago, to discuss this topics from
a human rights and public health perspective. And then, they asked UNDP to
support the contract of Mr Carlos Correa, a well known expert in this
issues.
But the USA delegation reject to initiate the negotiations if the Andean
countries were going to have this adviser. They imposed a veto. I know it
is unbelievable, but it is true.
One of the arguments was that they are not interested on negotiations with
people defending public health issues and generics. ........
So, negotiations are broken, and restart in september, but not with the
advice of this expert. At least not in the table. Maybe in the parallel
room.
I promise to maintain you in touch, but I think is important to inform as
much people as possible. And to get some response and action.
Thanks
Francisco A. Rossi. B.
IPR and access to drugs project.
International Poverty Center.
UNDP - IPEA.
SBS. Ed BNDES, 10 andar.
70076-900 Brasilia D.F. Brazil.
(55 61) 2105 -5005
"Francisco Rossi" <francisco_rossi@hotmail.com>
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