PRESS RELEASE
PRESS/250
29 October 2001
(01-5304)
MOORE SAYS DRAFT TEXTS FORM SOLID BASIS FOR MINISTERIAL
NEGOTIATIONS
Director-General Mike Moore said today that draft texts released this weekend form
the basis for constructive negotiations by Ministers when they meet for the WTO's 4th
Ministerial Conference in Doha, Qatar, 9-13 November.
General Council Chairman Stuart Harbin son, Hong Kong, China, and Mr. Moore
released to WTO Member Governments yesterday evening three texts for their consideration:a draft Ministerial Declaration; a draft Mini sterial decision on Implementation-Related Issues
and Concerns; and a draft Ministerial Declaration on intellectual property and access tomedicines/public health. These texts will be transmitted to Ministers in Doha and will formthe basis for negotiations during the Ministerial conference.
"These texts form a solid basis for consid eration by Ministers at Doha. Differences
have narrowed but there is still a lot of work  for Ministers to do. De velopment issues are at
the centre of all considerations," Mr. Moore said.
"I congratulate the chairman, our team, Ambassadors and officials for their co-
operation and for the transparent manner in wh ich these consultations  and negotiations have
been managed thus far."
END