U.S., Switzerland Oppose Developing-Country Proposal on Access to Medicines.At a September 19 meeting in Geneva Geneva, canton and city, Switzerland Geneva (jənē`və), Fr. Genève, canton (1990 pop. 373,019), 109 sq mi (282 sq km), SW Switzerland, surrounding the southwest tip of the Lake of Geneva. , Switzerland on access to medicines, 52 developing countries asked the members of the WTO See World Trade Organization. (World Trade Organization) to agree that rules on international patent protection (known as TRIPS) be interpreted in ways that allow governments to ensure access to affordable medicines; they were not asking for changes in the wording of TRIPS itself. The United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. and Switzerland, supported by Japan, Australia, and Canada, opposed their proposal. The European Union European Union (EU), name given since the ratification (Nov., 1993) of the Treaty of European Union, or Maastricht Treaty, to the European Community did not support either side and sought a negotiated solution; Norway was the only rich country that sided with the developing countries. The U.S./Swiss position "echoed the well-rehearsed views of the international pharmaceutical companies," according to a press release issued jointly by Doctors Without Borders Doctors Without Borders, Fr. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), international organization that provides emergency medical assistance to people suffering from a natural or societal disaster, such as an earthquake or war. , Oxfam, and Third World Network. The September 19 meeting was to prepare for the World Trade Organization's fourth Ministerial Conference, scheduled for Doha, Qatar, November 9-13, 2001. |
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