145. The representative of Australia said that it was true that discussions had been going on for many years, but it was only since Doha that delegations had really focused on the issue and considered the wider implications of these negotiations for other potential issues. He thought that the discussions the Special Session had had on the basis of the list of points and issues identified by the Chairperson had been good. He would, however, urge the Chairperson to be careful about putting any text on the table in early 2003. He did not think that enough progress had been made in getting a full understanding of concepts and implications, and that there was time until September 2003 to begin focusing on a legal text. He suggested not rushing at this stage, but discussing the future roadmap at the next meeting.
