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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Dear Colleagues,<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>I am forwarding you an extract from an article written
by Sangeeta Shashikant published in the South-North development monitor (SUNS)
regarding the response of WTO Members to the least developed countries’ (LDC)
request to the WTO TRIPS Council asking for an additional 15 years delay before
implementing the TRIPS Agreement. If this delay is not allowed LDCs should implement
TRIPS on 1<sup>st</sup> January 2006 unless they make individual requests.  <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>No decision has been taken yet by the TRIPS Council,
as countries such as the United States and Switzerland don’t want a
blanket extension for all LDCs. Countries such as the US and Switzerland (as
part of EFTA) are planning to negotiate Free Trade Agreements with a number of
LDC countries that would include TRIPS-plus rules.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>This additional 15 year delay would be crucial in
order to allow LDC countries to undertake impact assessments of how proposed
intellectual property rules will affect the enjoyment of human rights. It would
also give them additional time to draft legislation taking into account human
rights obligations relating to the right to health, the right to food or the
right to education. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Best wishes,<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Davinia<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Davinia Ovett<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Programme Officer<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>3D -> Trade - Human Rights - Equitable Economy<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span lang=FR style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>15, Rue des Savoises<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span lang=FR style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>CH-1205 Genève<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span lang=FR style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>Switzerland<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Tel: +41 22 320 21 21</span></font><font size=2
face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Fax: +41 22 320 69 48<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Email: <a href="mailto:dovett@3dthree.org">dovett@3dthree.org</a><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Website: <a href="http://www.3dthree.org">www.3dthree.org</a><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial'> <img border=0 width=110 height=48
id="_x0000_i1025" src="cid:image001.jpg@01C5DF13.85E0C4C0"><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial'> </span></font><font size=2 face=Arial><span
lang=EN-GB style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>------------------<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>SUNS #5906 Tuesday 1 November 2005<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>South-North development monitor, SUNS<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Trade: TRIPS Council discusses LDC
request on TRIPS extension<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>“Geneva, 30 Oct (Sangeeta
Shashikant) -- The TRIPS Council at its meeting on 28 October could not agree
to grant the least developed countries (LDCs) a 15-year extension of the
transition period to apply the TRIPS obligations as requested by the LDCs in their
paper dated 13 October (IP/C/W/457).<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>The Chairman of the Council,
Ambassador Choi Hyuck of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Korea</st1:place></st1:country-region>,
will hold informal consultations on this issue and on TRIPS and public health
and TRIPS/CBD relations, and could re-convene the Council in the next weeks for
decisions or further discussion.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>The LDCs have proposed that the
extension be granted to all LDC members when the present transition period ends
at the end of this year. At the meeting, many developing countries supported
the proposal, but <st1:country-region w:st="on">Japan</st1:country-region>, the
<st1:country-region w:st="on">US</st1:country-region> and <st1:country-region
w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Switzerland</st1:place></st1:country-region> indicated
that while they were willing to consider the extension, they would like to assess
the situation in each country individually as conditions differ from country to
country. The EU and <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Norway</st1:country-region></st1:place>
said they needed more time to study the proposal.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>The LDC members under Article 66.1
of the TRIPS Agreement were given a 10-year transition period to not apply the
TRIPS obligations, which expires on 31 December.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>This initial transition period was
granted in view of the "special needs and requirements of least-developed
country Members, their economic, financial and administrative constraints, and
their need for flexibility to create a viable technological base".<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Article 66.1 allows LDCs the option
of making a "duly motivated request" for further extension of the
transition period, following which the TRIPS<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Council "shall accord
extensions of this period".<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Ambassador Choi suspended the
meeting for informal consultations on the LDC request as well as on TRIPS and
health (to find a "permanent solution" to ensuring supply of
medicines for countries with no or insufficient drug manufacturing capacity)
and the proposal of some developing countries to amend the TRIPS<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Agreement so that countries' laws
would require patent applicants to disclose the source of origin of biological
material and related traditional knowledge.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>The Zambian Ambassador Love Mtesa,
on behalf of the LDC members, introduced the LDC request for extension of the
transitional period.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>He said the exemption set out in
TRIPS Article 66.1 was granted in recognition of the economic, financial, and
administrative constraints faced by LDCs that prevented them from observing
immediately all the obligations set out in the TRIPS Agreement. It also
reflects the fact that LDC Members have special needs and requirements,
including the need for flexibility to create a viable technological base.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>He outlined reasons why the LDCs are
making the request. The socioeconomic situation of LDCs have changed very
little over the past ten years to enable them to comply with their TRIPS
obligations. LDCs have competing needs against grave financial inadequacies
which have made it difficult for them to meet several obligations including
compliance with TRIPS; for example, they require immediate attention to health,
education and food security.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Mtesa said a viable technological
base is a fundamental requisite to implementing an effective IP system. LDCs
have an inadequate technological base that would support an effective system of
IPR protection and have barely developed institutional linkages that would
support implementation of obligations under the TRIPS Agreement. These
countries therefore require additional time to formulate and implement IP laws
and policies in appropriate ways to achieve national priorities and needs.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Compliance with TRIPS provisions
also requires alignment of national laws with various fields, such as civil and
criminal procedures in courts, administrative procedures, intervention of
police and customs authorities. Most LDC economies are faced with human
resource constraints to administer, implement and enforce IP legislation.
Upgrading the existing institutional framework would require extensive
financial resources, "an issue beyond our current national budgets,"
he added.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>He said that several studies
including by the World Bank have shown that the process of becoming TRIPS
compliant, i.e. drafting legislation, setting up/upgrading appropriate
institutions and providing sufficient human resources and enforcement mechanisms
all involves substantial costs. The 2002 World Economic Prospects report of the
World Bank states that if training costs were included, a comprehensive upgrade
of the intellectual property rights regime in the poorest countries would
require an expenditure of $1.5 to $2 million plus recurrent costs. Other
studies have estimated even higher costs.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>These weaknesses and vulnerabilities
constitute special circumstances that require LDCs to have "maximum
flexibility in the domestic implementation of laws" (as stated in the
TRIPS preamble).<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>The Ambassador expressed hope that
during the 15-year transitional period, developed countries would undertake
more commitments to provide incentives to enterprises and institutions in their
territories to promote technology transfer to LDCs, in line with Article 66.2
of the TRIPS.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place
 w:st="on"><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:
  Arial'>Brazil</span></font></st1:place></st1:country-region><font size=2
face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'> said it believed
that the request by the LDCs is entirely justified. There are indeed concerns
that the TRIPS Agreement may not be a development-friendly agreement. It said
that <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Brazil</st1:place></st1:country-region>
had to cope with numerous social, economic and administrative costs and balance
of payments problems. It encouraged all Members to agree to the request.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place
 w:st="on"><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:
  Arial'>Argentina</span></font></st1:place></st1:country-region><font size=2
face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'> said that recent
studies show that IP does not seem to have played an important role in
underdeveloped countries and there is no guarantee of transfer of technology.
It said that more needs to be done to create a proper balance of transfer of technology
to meet the developmental objectives. It also said that national IP policies
must be consistent with national public, cultural and social requirements.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Also speaking in support of the LDC
request were <st1:country-region w:st="on">India</st1:country-region>, <st1:country-region
w:st="on">Venezuela</st1:country-region>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Colombia</st1:country-region>,
<st1:country-region w:st="on">Senegal</st1:country-region>, <st1:country-region
w:st="on">Uganda</st1:country-region>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Lesotho</st1:country-region>,
<st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Cambodia</st1:place></st1:country-region>.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>However, a number of developed
countries indicated that they were not in favour of granting an extension to
LDC members en bloc, but instead wanted requests to be considered on an
individual basis.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>The <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place
 w:st="on">US</st1:place></st1:country-region> said it understood the concern
of LDCs in making the request. It disagreed with <st1:country-region w:st="on">Argentina</st1:country-region>
and <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Brazil</st1:place></st1:country-region>
and said that strong IP protection can be complementary and necessary for
creating a viable technological base. It said that there are recent studies
that have shown that there is a link between the TRIPS Agreement and transfer
of technology.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>It expressed concern about a blanket
extension to LDCs, saying that different LDCs are at different levels of
implementation. It indicated that the decision would need to be based on
national experiences and more information was needed from individual countries
over particular areas where support was required.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place
 w:st="on"><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:
  Arial'>Switzerland</span></font></st1:place></st1:country-region><font
size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'> said that
it is the legitimate right of LDCs to deposit a request and such a request is
timely, but added that the state of play in each country should be looked at.”<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Sangeeta Shashikant<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><st1:place w:st="on"><font
 size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Third World</span></font></st1:place><font
size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'> Network<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>36 Rue de <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place
 w:st="on">Lausanne</st1:place></st1:City><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>2nd Floor<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>1201 <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place
 w:st="on">Geneva</st1:place></st1:City><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Tel (O): 41 (0) 22 908 3550<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Fax: (O): 41 (0) 22 908 3551<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>

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