81. The representative of Guatemala thanked the European Communities for circulating the main elements of its statements made in the informal meetings of last December. She noted the European Communities' statement that special and differential treatment would be an integral part of the negotiations, and the European Communities' willingness to adopt special measures in favour of developing countries and in particular the least-developed countries. Guatemala welcomed this positive message from the European Communities and requested more concrete indications regarding what special measures were being considered, specifically with regard to the multilateral register rather than with regard to the TRIPS/CBD.
82. She said that Guatemala as a developing country supported the joint proposal which contained favourable elements and practical answers to the developing countries' problems. In addition to recognizing voluntary participation in the register, the joint proposal also provided a practical and realistic mechanism for consultation, which guaranteed the facilitation of protection of GIs for wines and spirits. The fact that countries were encouraged to consult the system or database would ensure that developing countries could become familiarized with the system without having to take on obligations immediately. This was particularly useful for countries such as Guatemala that did not have a tradition in geographical indications and that did not have trained human resources with experience in this area.
