Mere 'Review' of Agency's Tech Transfers to Iran, North Korea Falls Far Short, Ros-Lehtinen and Berman Say

(WASHINGTON) - U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and U.S. Rep. Howard L. Berman (D-CA), Chairman and Ranking Member, respectively, of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement regarding yesterday’s announcement by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) of steps it will take in response to concerns over WIPO’s provision of sophisticated U.S.-origin technology to North Korea and Iran.  Statement by Ros-Lehtinen and Berman:
 
“We have written to WIPO demanding an independent, external investigation of how WIPO could have provided sophisticated U.S.-origin technology to rogue regimes like North Korea and Iran.  Instead, the WIPO leadership has announced that it will institute a mere ‘review,’ which falls far short.  What’s needed is an immediate and credible investigation.   
 
“WIPO also must fully cooperate with investigations by the Department of State and by our Committee, including by providing immediate, unfettered access to all documents and personnel.  Those responsible for this outrageous misuse of U.S. technology and U.S. taxpayer dollars must be held fully accountable, and meaningful safeguards must be put in place to prevent these kinds of technology transfers in the future.  
 
“In addition, we remain deeply concerned that WIPO may retaliate against the whistleblowers who helped bring these allegations to light.
 
“We will accept nothing less than an independent investigation, full cooperation, and complete accountability.”