GSL SUPPORTS KEEPING GI TALKS IN TRIPS COUNCIL

UNCLAS COLOMBO 001539 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ECON KIPR ETRD PREL CE WTO ECONOMICS SUBJECT: GSL SUPPORTS KEEPING GI TALKS IN TRIPS COUNCIL REF: STATE 254589 Per reftel, Econoff delivered points to Ms. Manel De Silva, Acting Director General of the Sri Lankan Commerce Department on September 5, 2003. Reftel points were also delivered to the GSL delegation prior to its departure for Cancun. Post has previously discussed this issue with the GSL, during an Embassy-sponsored video conference on GI issues last week. The GSL continues to agree that the appropriate forum for these discussions is in the TRIPS Council, not the agricultural talks. As requested, we have urged the GSL to firmly oppose any EU efforts to raise this issue in the Agricultural Committee. LUNSTEAD