Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09SOFIA210
2009-05-08 14:21:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Sofia
Cable title:
BULGARIA: SPECIAL 301 ANNOUNCEMENT RESPONSE
how-toVZCZCXYZ0002 OO RUEHWEB DE RUEHSF #0210 1281421 ZNR UUUUU ZZH O 081421Z MAY 09 FM AMEMBASSY SOFIA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 5965 INFO RUCPDOC/DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
UNCLAS SOFIA 000210
SIPDIS
STATE PLEASE PASS TO USTR
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON ETRD KIPR BU
SUBJECT: BULGARIA: SPECIAL 301 ANNOUNCEMENT RESPONSE
REF: STATE 42893
UNCLAS SOFIA 000210
SIPDIS
STATE PLEASE PASS TO USTR
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON ETRD KIPR BU
SUBJECT: BULGARIA: SPECIAL 301 ANNOUNCEMENT RESPONSE
REF: STATE 42893
1. (SBU) The Bulgarian Government responded with relief to
reftel announcement that Bulgaria would not be placed on any
list in the 2009 Special 301 Report. Deputy Ministers of
Foreign Affairs, Economy and Culture all said they knew
Bulgaria had narrowly avoided a listing and expressed
appreciation for Washington's acknowledgment of steps
recently taken to improve coordination between the government
and IPR industry representatives. They also acknowledged
that much more needed to be done. Deputy Minister of Economy
Yavor Kuyumdzhiev stated that the government would continue
to move forward on a new IPR workplan drawn up with the help
of industry representatives. Some in the government
trumpeted the news, prompting biting criticism and commentary
about the scope of the problem and the government's
chest-thumping.
2. (SBU) Comment: In a May 7 press conference, Deputy
Minister Kuyumdzhiev candidly admitted to reporters that
Bulgaria had narrowly avoided being placed on the 301 List.
He also noted that there is much work ahead to improve the
country's IPR regime. Unfortunately, much of this work will
likely have to wait until a new government is installed after
July 5 national elections. IPR will figure prominently on
the "to do" list our Mission hands over to the new government
this summer.
McEldowney
SIPDIS
STATE PLEASE PASS TO USTR
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON ETRD KIPR BU
SUBJECT: BULGARIA: SPECIAL 301 ANNOUNCEMENT RESPONSE
REF: STATE 42893
1. (SBU) The Bulgarian Government responded with relief to
reftel announcement that Bulgaria would not be placed on any
list in the 2009 Special 301 Report. Deputy Ministers of
Foreign Affairs, Economy and Culture all said they knew
Bulgaria had narrowly avoided a listing and expressed
appreciation for Washington's acknowledgment of steps
recently taken to improve coordination between the government
and IPR industry representatives. They also acknowledged
that much more needed to be done. Deputy Minister of Economy
Yavor Kuyumdzhiev stated that the government would continue
to move forward on a new IPR workplan drawn up with the help
of industry representatives. Some in the government
trumpeted the news, prompting biting criticism and commentary
about the scope of the problem and the government's
chest-thumping.
2. (SBU) Comment: In a May 7 press conference, Deputy
Minister Kuyumdzhiev candidly admitted to reporters that
Bulgaria had narrowly avoided being placed on the 301 List.
He also noted that there is much work ahead to improve the
country's IPR regime. Unfortunately, much of this work will
likely have to wait until a new government is installed after
July 5 national elections. IPR will figure prominently on
the "to do" list our Mission hands over to the new government
this summer.
McEldowney