GENEVA, (Reuters) – The main four parties in negotiations for an intellectual property waiver for COVID-19 vaccinations have created an “outcome paper” that can be approved by the wider membership. This was said Tuesday by the WTO, which stated its chief hopes for a final agreement by June.

Ngozi Okonjo Iweala is the director-general of WTO. She has worked tirelessly for 18 months trying to find a solution between India, South Africa and the European Union.

Okonjo Iweala said that discussions had been aiming to come up with something feasible. Okonjo Iweala also told Reuters that she hoped WTO’s 164 members would agree on the proposal and pass it by a major conference this June. This will promote dialogue and discussion. This is crucial to prevent a pandemic from erupting or for the prevention of recurrences.” she stated.

It was revealed that the document had not resolved some issues, including the question of whether the waiver could be applied for within three years or five.

Okonjo Iweala claimed that negotiations have been focused on increasing support for the deal from China. According to her, Beijing indicated that it is “favourably inclined” to be considered a country developed in the deal. Therefore, they will have to follow stricter regulations. An immediate response was not provided by the Chinese Mission to Geneva to WTO.