31. The representative of Guatemala expressed her delegation's appreciation of the Chairman's work in the TRIPS Council and welcomed his summary report of these negotiations. It was her understanding that the report was without prejudice to the positions of the delegations in these negotiations. She continued to be concerned regarding the position of some Members mentioned under item (c) of paragraph 8, that special and differential treatment would only be discussed once the register had been agreed upon. It was her delegation's view that special and differential treatment was a key part of this and other ongoing negotiations in the Organization, especially in a round of negotiations focusing on development. Consequently, it was unacceptable to Guatemala that special and differential treatment discussions be addressed only at a later stage. The report was a very good proposal on the way forward, in particular regarding the need for special and differential treatment to be more precise, effective and operational. Her delegation was open to working on the basis of these principles and to contributing to the discussion of each of those elements. She also welcomed the fact that paragraph 7 of the report was in line with the negotiating mandate regarding a multilateral system of notification and registration of GIs for wines and spirits.
