43. The representative of Mexico considered it encouraging that this first proposal on the subject had been made on the basis not only of the Agreement, but also of the Singapore Ministerial Declaration, which touched on this matter in respect of spirits. Generally speaking, and subject to any further comments she might make in the future, the EC proposal seemed logical and consistent. It was indicative of how a multilateral notification and registration system might shape up. There were a number of aspects which required further elaboration, such as the administration of the system, the costs thereof, etc., and should be discussed in more detail. As indeed the proposal itself pointed out, an important aspect which required further thought concerned the mechanism to apply in order to settle disputes between Members with opposing views on the protectability of specific indications. Her delegation hoped that work on the subject could proceed as expeditiously as possible in order to respect the mandate to set up such a register of wines and spirits. The EC proposal could be taken as a reference point to facilitate the exchange of views that might lead to the setting up of such a system, with a view to ensuring that it would cover the existing systems of protection for geographical indications as they might exist in Members.
