44. The representative of Panama said that Article 23.4 clearly establish that there must be negotiations "in the Council for TRIPS concerning the establishment of a multilateral system of notification and registration of geographical indications for wines eligible for protection in those Members participating in the system". The words "Members participating in the system" did not seem in any way to indicate that the system was mandatory for all Members. His delegation therefore considered that the system should be a voluntary one. Paragraph 18 of the Doha Declaration also mentioned Article 23.4; it was therefore impossible to separate the two texts. A system the purpose of which was to "facilitate" should not entail burdens or additional obligations for non-participating Members.
