[Congressional Record: March 3, 1998 (Senate)]
[Page S1253-S1254]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:cr03mr98-153]


 WELCOMING DR. KAMIL IDRIS, DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THE WORLD INTELLECTUAL
                         PROPERTY ORGANIZATION

  Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I rise today to welcome to the United
States Dr. Kamil Idris, the Director General of the World Intellectual
Property Organization (WIPO). As many of my colleagues know, Dr. Idris
was elected Director General in November 1997, succeeding Dr. Arpad
Bogsch, who served in that capacity for 25 years. As Director General,
Dr. Idris is responsible for overseeing WIPO's strong efforts in
promoting intellectual property protection across the globe.
  Dr. Idris has had a long and distinguished diplomatic career on
behalf of his native Sudan. He is particularly well-known in
international intellectual property circles through his 16 years of
effective service to WIPO, most recently as Deputy Director General. I
was pleased to visit with Dr. Idris informally shortly after his
election as Director General and once again wish him success in his new
position.
  I would note that Dr. Idris is taking the helm of WIPO at a critical
juncture in the evolution of international intellectual property
protection. Nations throughout the world will look to his leadership in
promoting a global fabric of intellectual property protection in the
ever-explosive digital age. The WIPO Copyright Treaty and the WIPO
Performances and Phonograms Treaty, both signed in Geneva in December
1996, are important components of that fabric. The United States has an
opportunity to set standards for the world to follow by ratifying and
implementing these treaties in a timely fashion. I have joined with my
colleagues Senator Leahy, Senator Thompson, and Senator Kohl to
introduce legislation to do just that. I look forward to Dr. Idris'
support of similar efforts to implement these treaties in an effective
manner in the remainder of the WIPO member countries.
  Dr. Idris' visit today marks his first official visit to the United
States. He will be accompanied by the Commissioner of Patents and
Trademarks, Bruce Lehman, who will join Dr. Idris in meetings with the
Secretary of Commerce and other agency officials who play important
roles in safeguarding and promoting American ingenuity. Dr. Idris will
also have the opportunity to meet with many of the leaders of our
creative sectors, among them the pharmaceutical, motion picture,
software, information technology, broadcasting, publishing, and
recording industries. Each of these industries depend on the work of
WIPO to assist them in securing effective protection for their
intellectual property in the international marketplace.
  I am pleased that Dr. Idris has made this important visit. I am sure
I am joined by my colleagues in welcoming him today and in wishing him
the best in his activities here. I look forward to

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continuing to work with him in a close and cooperative relationship.

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