132. The representative of the European Communities reaffirmed his delegation's full commitment to the amendment process and to the completion of the work as soon as possible. His delegation had addressed this issue in an open and constructive manner and intended to continue working in the same spirit. He confirmed that his delegation was still discussing the submission of a proposal for an amendment internally, setting out technically how to transpose the Decision into an amendment of the TRIPS Agreement. This proposal would reflect his delegation's well-established position on this issue, according to which the process should be a technical exercise without any re-opening of discussions on substantive issues. He expressed the hope that this proposal could be submitted in the very near future.
133. Providing an update on the ongoing work within the European Communities on draft legislation implementing the Decision, he said that the internal legislative process was making good progress. The Council of the European Union and the European Parliament were seeking a rapid adoption of the proposed legislation. He indicated that the European Parliament was expected to adopt its opinion in September 2005, which would make it possible to adopt the new legislation before the end of 2005.
