NIGERIA NONCOMMITTAL ON WIPO DIRECTOR

UNCLAS ABUJA 002083 SIPDIS SIPDIS TREASURY FOR DPETERS DEPARTMENT PASS TO USTR (AGAMA) USDOC FOR 3317/ITA/OA/KBURRESS USDOC FOR 3130/USFC/OIO/ANESA/DHARRIS USDOC FOR USPTO - PAUL SALMON GENEVA FOR U.S. WIPO DELEGATION E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ECON KIPR ETRD NI SUBJECT: NIGERIA NONCOMMITTAL ON WIPO DIRECTOR REF: STATE 128336 ¶1. Nigeria Copyright Commission (NCC) Director General, Adebambo Adewopo told Econ Counselor and Econ Specialist September 20 that Nigeria has not taken a position on the dismissal of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Director General. The NCC, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Nigeria's representative at WIPO will collectively decide on a course of action. Adewopo said he would be attending this week's WIPO meetings. ¶2. Adewopo said he would notify the Attorney General's office -- which has responsibility over the NCC -- and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding USG concerns (Reftel). Adewopo suggested that the U.S. delegation to WIPO should also discuss the issue with Nigeria's representatives at its mission in Geneva. GRIBBIN