DEMARCHE TO JAPAN ON WIPO ELECTION

UNCLAS TOKYO 001290 SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR IO, EEB/HST, EAP/J GENEVA FOR U.S. MISSION GENEVA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AORC WIPO KIPR ETRD PREL SUBJECT: DEMARCHE TO JAPAN ON WIPO ELECTION REF: STATE 47559 ¶1. (SBU) Summary: In response to demarche contained in reftel, the GOJ reiterated its support for Japanese candidate, current WIPO Executive Director Yoshiyuki Takagi, while echoing the U.S. desire for election of a strong, reform-minded candidate as Director General. Japan opposes an early straw poll among B and D countries prior to the start of committee deliberations. End Summary. ¶2. (SBU) Emboff delivered demarche points contained in ref to METI Americas Division Director Noriyuki Mita May 7 and followed-up with a phone call May 9. Mita expressed appreciation for the demarche and echoed U.S. desire for a good outcome. He also expressed appreciation for inclusion of Takagi among the U.S. top tier of candidates and agreed with the U.S. criteria described. ¶3. (SBU) Mita asked that Embassy convey additional points back to Washington in support of the Japanese candidate Takagi. He described Takagi's vision of the WIPO as a trusted advisor in using IP for economic development and his belief WIPO should bring benefits to both developed and developing countries. Mita also talked about Takagi's practical experience and commitment to reforming WIPO. He then cited for comparison the case of UNESCO Director General Koichiro Matsuura, noting his focus on discipline, efficiency, and transparency. ¶4. (SBU) Mita then reiterated Japan's concern about an early straw poll, even just among group B & D countries, suggesting it might worsen rifts between developing and developed members. While sharing U.S. concerns about not splitting the Group B vote, he argued it is more important to focus on a candidate who could gain support among developed and developing members. If a straw poll proves necessary at all, the GOJ would prefer it take place later on after less serious candidates have dropped out. DONOVAN