Africa/Global: Impasse on talks on TRIPS and Health "permanent solution"

An impasse became evident on negotiations on the major remaining issue relating to the TRIPS Agreement and Public Health when some key WTO members appeared far apart on a solution, and disagreed even on how the process of consultations is going on, during a meeting of the TRIPS Council on 25 October, reports Third World Network. Some developing countries, particularly Brazil and India, complained that they had been left out of consultations taking place between a few countries. They also reiterated their support for the proposal by the African Group as a good basis for negotiations towards a solution. African countries indicated that they were prepared to engage with others, and quoted a declaration by the African Health Ministers for the need to find a permanent solution that removes all constraints and procedural requirements to the export and import of generic medicines.