Cablegate: Demarche to Japan On Wipo Election

VZCZCXRO1511
OO RUEHFK RUEHKSO RUEHNAG RUEHNH
DE RUEHKO #1290 1330833
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 120833Z MAY 08
FM AMEMBASSY TOKYO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 4169
RUEHGV/USMISSION GENEVA IMMEDIATE 3318
INFO RUEHFK/AMCONSUL FUKUOKA 7745
RUEHNAG/AMCONSUL NAGOYA 6081
RUEHNH/AMCONSUL NAHA 0132
RUEHOK/AMCONSUL OSAKA KOBE 1424
RUEHKSO/AMCONSUL SAPPORO 8337

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

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