359.   On behalf of the LDC Group allow me to thank the European Union for this statement that was just submitted under agenda item 2. Document IP/C/W/681 includes a draft declaration which provides for three clarifications in the framework of this pandemic regarding the mechanism of the compulsory licence, Article 31 of the TRIPS Agreement. As we see it, the objectives of these three suggestions that were voiced in this draft declaration are useful and we embrace them, we see them in a very positive light. To be more specific first of all, as we see it, it is judicious to facilitate the possibility to waive the obligation under Art. 31 (b) before actually moving to compulsory licensing agreements, and also to providing that, where vaccines are provided at affordable prices to low-and medium-income countries, the renumeration required from the manufacturers should reflect these prices, and to simplify and streamline the notification requirements for the exporting Members. That is the current state of play of our thinking with regard to the statements by the European Union and the LDC Group still is assessing these statements-. Bilateral consultations will be provided for and our Group will fine-tune these various concerns and then refer these to the delegation of the European Union.