Brussels, 29/08/2003 (Agence Europe) - Despite the "green light" given at technical level at the TRIPS (Trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights) Council, the World Trade Organisation's final decision on access to vital medicines by impoverished populations was still pending on Friday afternoon, whilst informal consultations were continuing around the suddenly differing interpretation of the compromise text put together by supporters of these negotiations (see yesterday's EUROPE, p.6). On the previous day, several delegations (notably Argentina and the Philippines) insisted that their own interpretations be enshrined by the General Council, in statements annexed to the agreement by the 146, which the chairman of the WTO's decision-making body, Carlos Perez de Castillo of Uruguay, was obliged to refuse. Announcing the adjournment of the formal session, he spoke of the letter and the spirit of the draft agreement, which is based not only on the compromise of last December, but also on a statement by the Presidency, jointly proposed by the United States, Brazil, India, South Africa and Kenya, which "represents several key interpretations shared by the members, concerning the decision to be taken and how to implement and apply it". According to diplomatic sources close to the discussions, it is Washington in particular "blocking it. The United States appear to have a problem with anybody wishing to adopt their own interpretation".