INTERGOVERNMENTAL NEGOTIATING COMMITTEE FOR CONVENTION TO COMBAT DESERTIFICATION SUSPENDS TENTH SESSION
Press Release
ENV/DEV/400
INTERGOVERNMENTAL NEGOTIATING COMMITTEE FOR CONVENTION TO COMBAT DESERTIFICATION SUSPENDS TENTH SESSION
19970120 Negotiations Scheduled to Reconvene in Geneva from 18 to 22 AugustThe Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee for the Elaboration of an International Convention to Combat Desertification suspended its tenth session on Friday night, 17 January.
The Committee agreed to a proposal by its Chairman, Bo Kjellen (Sweden) to reconvene in Geneva from 18 to 22 August. The first meeting of the Conference of the Parties, now 62, is scheduled for Rome beginning on 29 September. Among pending issues requiring further negotiations are matters related to the Global Mechanism, which was established by the Convention to mobilize and channel financial resources for the execution of projects under the treaty.
After two-weeks of protracted negotiations, the Committee could not agreed on a number of issues relating to the Global Mechanism, such as ways to mobilize funds and the more substantive question of the functions of the Mechanism as it intervened with various types of flows of funds. There are also legal and administrative problems pending.
On the question of the organization to host the Global Mechanism, the Committee adopted a text under which it invited the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to submit to the Interim Secretariat of the Convention by 1 May revised versions of any new elements to their offers to house it, including on the possibility of co-hosting as well the proposed administrative operations of the Mechanism.
In other decisions, all adopted without a vote, the Committee recommended that the Conference of the Parties adopt, at its first session, a decision concerning the administrative arrangements involved in designating a permanent secretariat and making arrangements for its functioning. By the decision, the Conference of the Parties would accept the offer of the Secretary-General for the organization to provide the administrative and
support arrangements for the Convention's secretariat, now temporarily located in Geneva.
By another decision, the Committee recommended that the Conference of the Parties request the Secretary-General to appoint the Executive Secretary of the Convention, after consultations with the Conference of the Parties. The Conference would also decide, on the Committee's recommendation, that the secretariat should not be fully integrated into the work programme and management structure of any particular United Nations department or programme in order for the secretariat to enjoy the administrative and financial autonomy necessary to ensure efficient servicing of the Convention and of its implementation.
Canada, Germany and Spain have offered to host the Convention's secretariat and more talks on that will be held at the resumed session of the Committee by a contact group which includes representatives of the three governments, the Chairmen of the Committee and of its two working groups and a representative of the Interim Secretariat.
By a decision on programme and budget, the Committee requested the Interim Secretariat to circulate, at least 90 days prior to the first session of the Conference of the Parties, the necessary draft decisions related to the programme of work and budget of the Conference as well as detailed budget estimates for the biennium 1998-1999. The Committee approved a draft on the financial rules of the Conference of the Parties, its subsidiary bodies and the permanent secretariat. The Executive Secretary of the Convention's Interim Secretariat, in a statement on behalf of the Budget Division, said that a provision in the draft made clear that there was no obligation for the United Nations to contribute to the core budget of the Convention. The Committee also approved the draft rules of procedure of the Conference of the Parties, as orally amended.
Furthermore, the Committee adopted a number of decisions relating to the Committee on Science and Technology proposed under the Convention. They cover the modalities and timing of its future work on inventories of research, traditional and local technology, knowledge, know-how and practices and on the establishment of research priorities. In a related action, the Interim Secretariat was requested to establish an informal open-ended consultative process to assist the Committee to identify bodies and organizations performing work similar to that envisaged for it.
The Committee requested the Interim Secretariat to continue its work on benchmarks and indicators, consulting informally with interested Committee members, and expanding the task to encompass the Asian and Latin American and Caribbean regions. It approved a four-part decision on preparatory measures to be undertaken by the Committee on Science and Technology on networking of institutions, agencies and bodies. By the text, the Interim Secretariat was
Negotiating Committee - 3 - Press Release ENV/DEV/400 7th Meeting (PM) 20 January 1997
requested to solicit proposals from specified competent organizations; evaluate those willing to become units of a network that shall support the implementation of the Convention and to circulate summaries of proposals from such organizations before the Conference of the Parties. The Committee recommended that the Committee on Science and Technology review the terms of reference and that it recommend a contractor for approval by the Conference.
The Committee also adopted a four-part decision on work to be undertaken by the Committee on Science and Technology on networking of institutions, agencies and bodies, recommending that the Conference of the Parties adopt specified terms of reference for that task and a list of organizations that could be asked to draft proposals for conducting the networking survey.
In another decision relating to the work of the Committee on Science and Technology, the Interim Secretariat was requested to prepare an annotated agenda for the first session of the Committee; prepare a list of nominations received by 31 May and to submit such list to the first session of the Conference of the Parties for the establishment of the roster of experts after a review by the Committee on Science and the Technology.
By another text approved, the Conference of the Parties at its first session would accredit non-governmental organizations which had previously participated in the work of the Committee. It would also accredit for its first and second sessions, non-governmental organizations recommended by the Committee. By the decision, the Conference of the Parties would also accord observer status at its first session to all the intergovernmental organizations previously accorded such status at previous sessions. Similar accreditation would be granted to such bodies recommended by the Committee. The representatives of Syria, Oman and Iran registered reservations about the accreditation of an organization called EcoPeace, based in Israel.
The Committee also approved a draft provisional agenda for the first session of the Conference of the Parties. In an action on extrabudgetary funds, the Committee recommended that the General Assembly decide, among other measures, that the head of the Interim Secretariat, under the authority of the Secretary-General, use the special voluntary fund to assist developing countries affected by desertification and drought, in particular the least developed countries, to participate fully in the first Conference of the Parties.
The Committee also approved the report on the work of its tenth session presented by its Rapporteur, Anatoli M. Ovchnnikov (Uzbekistan) and authorized him to incorporate in it the proceedings of the remainder of the session and the decisions taken so far.
The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification was formally adopted on 17 June 1994, and opened for signature in Paris on 14-15 October
Negotiating Committee - 4 - Press Release ENV/DEV/400 7th Meeting (PM) 20 January 1997
1994. The Convention, which came into force on 26 December 1996, has been signed by 115 countries and ratified by 62 States. In an innovative approach, the Convention recognizes the physical, biological and socio-economic aspects of desertification. It also recognizes the importance of redirecting technology transfer so that it is demand-driven; and the importance of local involvement in the preparation of national action programmes. The core of the Convention is the development of national and subregional/regional action programmes by national governments in cooperation with donors, local populations and non-governmental organizations.
The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to Combat Desertification was established in 1992 by General Assembly resolution 47/188 on the recommendation of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED).
Committee Work Programme
The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee of the Convention to Combat Desertification met this afternoon to consider all outstanding issues before its tenth session, including taking action on draft decisions submitted by its Chairman and its two working groups.
Texts Submitted by Working Group I
By a draft decision submitted by the Chairman of working group I (document A/AC.241/WG.I(X)/L.1/Rev.1), the Committee would recommend for adoption by the Conference of the Parties a draft text on the designation of a permanent secretariat and arrangements for its functioning. Under its provisions the Conference of the Parties would accept the offer of the Secretary-General to provide administrative and support arrangements for the Convention secretariat.
Also by the draft, the Secretary-General would be requested to appoint, after consultation with the Conference of the Parties, the Executive Secretary of the Convention, with the term and level of the latter to be decided by the Conference. In addition, the Conference would also decide that for the permanent secretariat to enjoy the administrative and financial autonomy necessary to ensure efficient servicing of the Convention and of its implementation, it should not be fully integrated in the work programme and management structure of any particular department or programme of the United Nations.
By a draft decision on the identification of an organization to house the Global Mechanism (document A/AC.241/WG.I(X)/L.2), the Committee would approve a text annexed to the draft on the functions of the Global Mechanism and the criteria for selecting an institution to house it. It would decide to transmit the text of the annex to the first session of the Conference of the
Negotiating Committee - 5 - Press Release ENV/DEV/400 7th Meeting (PM) 20 January 1997
Parties and invite IFAD and UNDP to submit to the Interim Secretariat, by 1 May, revised versions of their offers to house the Global Mechanism, including the possibility of co-hosting, as well as the proposed administrative operations of the Mechanism.
By a draft decision on programme and budget (document A/AC.241/WG.I(X)/L.3), the Interim Secretariat would be requested to circulate, at least 90 days prior to the first session of the Conference of the Parties, necessary draft decisions related to the programme of work and budget of the Conference of the Parties, as well as detailed budget estimates for the biennium 1998-1999. It would be further requested in carrying out those tasks to take into account comments made by delegations during all sessions of the Committee, as well as comments from Member States received by 15 February.
By the terms of a draft decision on financial rules of the Conference of the Parties, its subsidiary bodies and the permanent secretariat (document A/AC.241/WG.I(X)/L.4), the Committee would recommend for adoption by the Conference of the Parties a draft decision on the matter. Under the text's provisions, the Conference would adopt the financial rules attached to the draft. The attached rules govern the financial administration of the Conference of the Parties, its subsidiary bodies and the permanent secretariat and include sections on the budget, funds, contributions, accounts and audit, and administrative support costs.
Texts Submitted by Working Group II
A draft decision submitted by the Chairman of Working Group II on the rules of procedure of the Conference of the Parties (document A/AC.241/WG.II(X)/L.1), would have the Committee recommend for adoption by the Conference a draft text by which it would decide to adopt the rules of procedure attached to the present decision, with the exception of the following: paragraph 1 of rule 6 (on participation of United Nations and specialized agencies); paragraph 1 of rule 22 (on election of officers); rule 31 (on election of officers of subsidiary bodies); and paragraph 1 of rule 47 (on order of voting on proposals).
According to the terms of another draft decision (document A/AC.241/WG.II(X)/L.2), the Interim Secretariat would be requested to submit an expanded report on the modalities and timing of the work of the Committee on Science and Technology, for consideration by the Committee's first session.
By a draft decision on work of other bodies performing work similar to that envisaged for the Committee on Science and Technology (document A/AC.241/WG.II(X)/L.3), the Interim Secretariat would be requested to: establish an informal open-ended consultative process to assist in the work of the Committee on Science and Technology; identify bodies and organizations
Negotiating Committee - 6 - Press Release ENV/DEV/400 7th Meeting (PM) 20 January 1997
performing work similar to that envisaged to be undertaken by the Committee; and take account of comments on that subject in working group II during the tenth session, as well as written submissions by Committee members.
A draft decision on benchmarks and indicators (document A/AC.241/WG.II(X)/L.4/Rev.1) would have the Committee request the Interim Secretariat to continue its work on benchmarks and indicators and, in that connection, to: continue the informal open-ended consultative process; put particular emphasis on the further elaboration of implementation indicators and the development of a methodology for determining impact indicators; further expand the work to encompass the Asian and Latin American and Caribbean regions; and take account of comments in working group II during the Committee's tenth session, as well as the written submissions by members of the Committee and competent organizations.
By the terms of a draft on networking of institutions, agencies and bodies (document A/AC.241/WG.II(X)/L.5/Rev.1), the Interim Secretariat would be requested to solicit proposals, in accordance with the draft terms of reference annexed to the draft (annex I) from a list of organizations also annexed to the draft (annex II), to undertake a survey and evaluation of existing networks, institutions, agencies and bodies willing to become units of a network that would support the implementation of the Convention. The Committee would also recommend that the Committee on Science and Technology, at its first session, make recommendations to the Conference of the Parties for their adoption as well as recommend the most suitable contractor for approval by the Conference.
By the terms of a draft decision on the organization of work of the Committee on Science and Technology (document A/AC.241/WG.II(X)/L.6), the Interim Secretariat would be requested to: prepare an annotated agenda for the first session of the Committee on Science and Technology; maintain a roster of independent experts on the basis of the procedures attached to the draft decision; and submit the draft roster for approval by the first session of the Conference of the Parties after a review by the Committee on Science and Technology.
Draft Texts Submitted by Chairman
By the terms of a draft decision on participation of non-governmental and intergovernmental organizations (document A/AC.241/L.36), the Committee would recommend that the Conference of Parties decide to: accredit to its first session the non-governmental organizations previously accredited to sessions of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee, as listed in annex I of the decision; accredit to its first and subsequent sessions the additional non-governmental organizations recommended by the secretariat for accreditation, as listed in annex II to the draft; accord observer status at its first session to all the intergovernmental organizations previously
Negotiating Committee - 7 - Press Release ENV/DEV/400 7th Meeting (PM) 20 January 1997
accorded such status at sessions of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee, as listed in annex III to the text; and accord observer status at its first and subsequent sessions to those additional intergovernmental organizations which the secretariat may recommend to be accorded such status, as listed in annex iv to the text.
A draft decision on the use of the special voluntary fund and the trust fund (document A/AC.241/L.37) would have the Committee recommend a draft decision for adoption by the General Assembly. Under its provisions, the Assembly would decide that the head of the Interim Secretariat, under the authority of the Secretary-General, should have the possibility of using the special voluntary fund to assist developing countries affected by desertification and drought, in particular the least developed countries, to participate fully and effectively in the Conferences of the Parties process. It would also decide that the head of the Interim Secretariat, under the authority of the Secretary-General, should have the possibility of using the trust fund to support the participation of representatives of non-governmental organizations in the work of the Conferences of the Parties.
By the terms of another draft decision (document A/AC.241/L.38), the Committee would recommend the adoption of the draft agenda for the first Conference of the Parties.
In addition, before the Committee for action was the draft report (document A/AC.241/L.35) of its work during the tenth session.
Action
MOHAMED MAHMOUD OULD EL GHAOUTH (Mauritania), Chairman of Working Group I, briefing the Committee on the Group's work, said that of the four matters referred to it by the plenary, the group had dealt with two issues, as follows: designation of the permanent secretariat and administrative arrangements and financial rules. On another matter, concerning programme and budget, a procedural decision was being submitted to the Chairman, so the secretariat could submit a draft on the Global Mechanism in July.
The working group used two mechanisms to arrive at a decision on the Global Mechanism, he said, and the former Prime Minister of Quebec, Pierre- Marc Johnson, was involved and made commendable efforts in the negotiations. In addition to the text which would be introduced, there was a text in the Committee's report on the criteria for the selection of the host of the Global Mechanism, which was adopted at the Committee's ninth session. Mr. Johnson would propose a final paragraph, thereby completing the text, pending further work in at the Conference of the Parties in Rome on the paragraph.
In addition, he continued, a draft decision was being submitted which should be amended accordingly so that it could be adopted as annex I to
Negotiating Committee - 8 - Press Release ENV/DEV/400 7th Meeting (PM) 20 January 1997
paragraph 4. The draft decision invited IFAD and the UNDP to submit revised versions of the offers to the Interim Secretariat by 1 May. The "Group of 77" developing countries and China and the European Union had studied that decision, and he believed there was consensus.
PIERRE-MARC JOHNSON (Canada) said he had chaired a drafting group which met for three days concerning paragraph 4 of the text relating to the function of the Global Mechanism, under article 21, paragraph 4 of the Convention. The drafting group managed to act with some proficiency, but the task was rendered challenging by three facts and constraints, as follows: the text of the Convention, which was binding; the complex relationship between the host organization and the Global Mechanism; and the many legal, administrative and de facto presence of organizations at many levels.
He said the group had produced a text of nine paragraphs which had three sets of outstanding issues, including how to refer to the Convention, ways to mobilization of funds and the more substantive issue of the function of the Global Mechanism, as it intervened with various types of flows of funds. On the last issue, there were two drafts, one by the Group of 77 and China and another by the European Union and affiliated countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
TAKAO SHIBATA (Japan), Chairman of Working Group II, said the group had successfully concluded work on 59 of the 63 provisions of the rules of procedure of the Conference of the Parties. It had been his honest wish that the group would be able to achieve agreement on the rest. There was broad agreement on the composition of the bureau of the Conference and the officers of subsidiary bodies. It had been agreed that the size of the bureau of the Conference would be 11, including the President of the Conference; and that of the subsidiary body, the Committee on Science and Technology, five, including the Chairman. There was also broad agreement on the manner by which seats on the bureau would be distributed among the regional groups. The working group had also concluded negotiations on the initial work of the Committee on Science and Technology.
The Committee then adopted the draft decision on the designation of a permanent secretariat and arrangements for its functions.
In the light of the adoption of the above text, the draft decision submitted at its seventh session and contained in document A/AC.241/WG.I(VII)L.1 was withdrawn by its sponsors.
Mr. EL GHAOUTH (Mauritania) said the representative of Greece would read an amendment to paragraph 3 of the draft decision on the identification of an organization to house the Global Mechanism.
Negotiating Committee - 9 - Press Release ENV/DEV/400 7th Meeting (PM) 20 January 1997
ANDREAS CAMBITSIS (Greece) said he was reading the text for the first time, and it was not a proposal of his group, the OECD. He said the following amendment should be added to the end of paragraph 3: "as well as proposed budgets for the functioning of the Global Mechanism the host organizations shall provide on a biennium basis". He then said that having heard the amendment, the OECD would have to reject it.
KATINDO KAMANDO (United Republic of Tanzania), speaking for the Group of 77 and China, said the amendment should not be placed at the end of the paragraph but be inserted after the comma following the words "such Mechanism" in line 5 of the paragraph.
Mr. EL GHAOUTH (Mauritania) then read out the following amendment to paragraph 1 of the draft decision: in line 1, insert "with the exception of paragraph 4 of section (a)" between the words "decision" and "on". He added that in view of the new amendment, a decision was pending and the representatives of Greece and Tanzania should conduct additional consultations. However, the matter was in the hands of the Chairman, he said.
BO KJELLEN (Sweden), Chairman of the Committee, said he would suspend the meeting so that particular text could be cleared up.
When the meeting resumed 20 minutes later, Mr. KAMANDO (United Republic of Tanzania) thanked his colleagues from the European Union and the OECD for their assistance in reaching a compromise on the new formulation, which would replace the one read by the representative of Greece. He then read out the new change. At the end of paragraph 3, the following should be added: "as well as proposed budgetary implications for the functioning of the Global Mechanism."
Mr. KJELLEN (Sweden), the Chairman, said the text in paragraph 2 would cover the work and the results that had been achieved in the group headed by Mr. Johnson. The last phrase of that paragraph, which read, "taking full account of annex I to this decision", would also cover the results of what had been achieved.
Mr. KAMANDO (United Republic of Tanzania) asked whether before approving the draft decision, and in view of paragraph 2 of the draft decision, the Chairman would be undertaking any consultations regarding paragraph 4. And if so, when? he added.
Mr. KJELLEN (Sweden), the Chairman, said he had a mandate to undertake consultations, but he was not sure when or how they would take place.
ERWIN ORTIZ-GANDARILLAS (Bolivia) said he was speaking in connection with the concern expressed by the representative of Tanzania, on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. Was there a possibility of revising the text being
Negotiating Committee - 10 - Press Release ENV/DEV/400 7th Meeting (PM) 20 January 1997
submitted as an annex to the decision during a resumed session of the tenth meeting. If the text was sent directly to the Conference of the Parties, there would be a lot of problems. It should be studied again in the resumed session in the time remaining.
Mr. KJELLEN (Sweden), the Chairman, said the important thing was to transmit the text to the Conference of the Parties and have the benefit of the later submissions of the two parties. With the assistance of the experts, there would be consultations on whatever could be done. There was not much of a possibility for the Committee itself to come further than it had. He had a responsibility and a mandate to undertake the consultations that were needed so they could lead to the best possible results.
Mr. ORTIZ-GANDARILLAS (Bolivia) said he appreciated the Chairman's explanation, but nevertheless, no matter how many consultations there were, the consultations themselves could not take a decision. It was the Committee's understanding that at the next session, whether extended or suspended, the text would be discussed and voted on before the first meeting of the Conference of the Parties.
Mr. KJELLEN (Sweden), the Chairman, said it was important at the present stage that substantive results should be achieved and available for the Conference of the Parties. It was impossible to know what could be achieved during further consultations. The Committee must build on what had been achieved and use it as a background for the text to be included in the other two submissions. The issue of a resumed session would be taken up later in the meeting. The Committee was moving toward being a preparatory committee for the Conference of the Parties and it should present the best possible material to the Conference without underestimating or reducing the importance of what had been achieved during those negotiations.
The Committee then adopted, as orally amended, the draft decision on identification of an organization to house the Global Mechanism.
Next the Committee adopted the draft decision entitled "programme and budget".
The Committee then took up the draft decision on financial rules of the Conference of the Parties, its subsidiary bodies and the permanent secretariat.
HAMA ARBA DIALLO, Executive Secretary of the Convention's Interim Secretariat, read a statement on behalf of the Budget Division, according to which paragraph 7 of the draft decision made it clear that there was no obligation for the United Nations to contribute to the core budget of the Convention.
Negotiating Committee - 11 - Press Release ENV/DEV/400 7th Meeting (PM) 20 January 1997
The Committee adopted the draft decision as orally amended.
Mr. SHIBATA (Japan) read out the following amendment to the draft decision on the rules of procedure of the Conference of the Parties: last paragraph, line 1, replace the phrase with "attached to the present decision" with the phrase "contained in document ..." (a document of the Conference of the Parties); and last paragraph, line 3, at the end of the paragraph, add the phrase, "and to provisionally apply rules 22 and 31".
Mr. EL GHAOUTH (Mauritania) said the amendment proposed by the Chairman of working group II was designed to put the Convention on a solid basis as it started its work and enable a bureau to be elected. It was the same mechanism that had been used at the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Berlin.
CAROLYN BROWNE (United Kingdom) said the amendment could be made a little more precise by adding the phrase, "in relation to the size of the bureau", to indicate what was provisionally being applied. She said she had not seen the latest text for rule 31, and wanted to know if it contained a number for the membership of the bureau.
Mr. SHIBATA (Japan) said it was his understanding that regarding the size of the main bureau in rule 22 the size was listed as 9, and in rule 31 the size of the subsidiary bureau was listed as 4.
The CHAIRMAN then read out the final version of the amended version of the last paragraph, as proposed by the representatives of Japan and the United Kingdom. It read as follows: "decides to adopt the rules of procedure contained in document ... with the exception of: paragraph 1 of rule 6, paragraph 1 of rule 22, rule 31 and paragraph 1 of rule 47, and provisionally apply rules 22 and 31".
The Committee then adopted, as orally amended, the draft decision on the rules of procedure.
The Committee then adopted the draft decision entitled, "Committee on Science and Technology: reports on modalities and timing of future work on inventories of research, traditional and local technology, knowledge, know-how and practices and on establishment of research priorities".
Next, it adopted the draft decision entitled "report on work of other bodies performing work similar to that envisaged for the Committee on Science and Technology".
The draft decision concerning working being done on benchmarks and indicators was then adopted by the Committee.
Negotiating Committee - 12 - Press Release ENV/DEV/400 7th Meeting (PM) 20 January 1997
Further, the Committee adopted the draft decision entitled, "Committee on Science and Technology: preparatory measures to put in hand work on networking of institutions, agencies and bodies".
Mr. SHIBATA (Japan) orally corrected the draft decision entitled "organization of the work of the Committee on Science and Technology", which was then adopted, as amended.
GAOUSSOU TRAORE, representative of the Permanent Inter-State Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS) said the acronym of his organization mistakenly appeared in annex III of the draft decision on participation of non-governmental and intergovernmental organizations as "CILLS" and not "CILSS", and the correct acronym should be included in the French text.
ROGATIEN BIAOU (Benin) said on page 3 of the draft a footnote stated that a reservation was made after the adoption of the decision, but it should list the name of the non-governmental organization. Also, the Southern African Regional Commission for the Conservation and Utilization of Soil (SARCCUS) was listed as a non-governmental organization and it was not.
Mr. KJELLEN (Sweden), the Chairman, said because SARCCUS was not a non- governmental organization, it had been taken out of the list and that was why it was listed in annex I, which included non-governmental organizations previously accredited to the sessions of the Committee. Perhaps another footnote could be added stating that the organization could be found in annex III.
HUSAM A'ALA (Syria) said that it had reservations, as expressed at an earlier meeting, concerning the organization called "EcoPeace".
MOHAMED AL-HASSAN (Oman) said a letter was written to the Chairman on behalf of the members of the Arab Group of States, and the Chairman was requested to circulate the letter as an official document of the Committee. He hoped it would be given a document symbol and be circulated.
Mr. DIALLO, Executive Secretary of the Convention's Interim Secretariat, said he had just received the letter, and it would be circulated as an official document.
FRANKLIN MOORE (United States) sought information on the organization listed in annex III as "Southern African Development Cooperation".
MOHAMMAD-REZA HADJI-KARIM-DJABBARI (Iran) registered a reservation on behalf of his delegation concerning the accreditation of the organization mentioned by the representative of Syria.
Negotiating Committee - 13 - Press Release ENV/DEV/400 7th Meeting (PM) 20 January 1997
INESS SIMUUNZA (Zambia) said a correction should be made to the organization listed in annex III which had been referred to by the representative of the United States. It should be listed as "Southern African Development Community".
SALAH TAHOUN (Egypt) said a correction should also be made to another organization listed, which should read "Centre for Environment and Development of Arab Region and Europe".
The Committee then adopted the draft decision on participation of non- governmental and intergovernmental organizations.
The CHAIRMAN then read out amendments to the draft decision on the "use of the special voluntary fund and the trust fund", as follows: operative paragraph 1, line 5, insert the word "first" before "Conference of the Parties"; and delete the word "process"; operative paragraph 2, line 4, insert the word "first" before "Conference of the Parties".
The Committee then adopted the draft decision on the funds, as orally amended.
Next, the CHAIRMAN introduced the text on the draft agenda for the first Conference of the Parties, by saying that the agenda reflected requirements of the Convention regarding the agenda of the first Conference of the Parties.
Ms. BROWNE (United Kingdom) said, regarding para 7, sub-item (k) would be more appropriate if it read, "Establishment of the roster of experts". An additional sub-item should be added to paragraph 7 relating to the work of the Committee on Science and Technology to carry out at its first session for which approval of the Conference of the Parties would be required. That sub- item related to the survey of networking institutions. The addition could read as follows: "Approval of the terms of reference for work to be undertaken on networking of institutions, agencies and bodies and selection of a contractor to carry out this work."
Mr. DIALLO, the Convention's Executive Secretary, said the amendment could be made as an addition to sub-item (h) as an appropriate way of including it in the agenda.
Mr. BIAOU (Benin) said that this was the first time that the amendment had been made to the agenda, and it was never mentioned in the working group. It was a complicated subject and should be set aside for the time being and discussed at a resumed session.
Mr. SHIBATA (Japan) said that the suggestion by the representative of the United Kingdom would reflect the meaning of the fifth preambular paragraph of the draft on networking of institutions, agencies and bodies.
Negotiating Committee - 14 - Press Release ENV/DEV/400 7th Meeting (PM) 20 January 1997
Mr. AL-HASSAN (Oman) said that the title of the draft decision should be amended to "draft provisional agenda for the first Conference of the Parties".
AMBROSE OJIMBA (Nigeria) said he supported what the representative of Benin said about the proposal by the United Kingdom. And his delegation would want a period after the words "agencies and bodies".
Mr. KJELLEN (Sweden), the Chairman, said he agreed with the representative of Nigeria that the words after "agencies and bodies" should be deleted.
Mr. BIAOU (Benin) said he was not disagreeing with the fact that the working group had discussed that issue, but working group II had not discussed placing that issue on the agenda. It never came up until this moment in the eleventh hour.
Mr. KJELLEN (Sweden), the Chairman, asked if the representative of the United Kingdom would be satisfied with the reference to the draft decision, and therefore be willing to withdraw her amendment.
Ms. BROWNE (United Kingdom) said that as long as it was understood, as proposed by the representative of Oman, that it was a draft provisional agenda, she would agree with the suggestion of the Chairman.
Mr. BIAOU (Benin) said sub-item (k) should read "establishment and approval of roster of experts".
Ms. BROWNE (United Kingdom) said that discussion had been played out a number of times in working group II. "Establishment" was the word used in the Convention text in article 24, paragraph 2. There was no reference to "approval". "Establishment of experts" was the correct way to describe the process.
Mr. KJELLEN (Sweden), the Chairman, said he agreed with the representative of the United Kingdom on that subject, recalling his reading of article 24. Would the delegate of Benin accept the language suggested by the United Kingdom?
The Committee then adopted, as orally amended, the text on the draft agenda for the first Conference of the Parties.
Other Matters
BOUBACAR TOURE, representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), thanked the Committee for accepting the FAO's invitation to use its facilities at the Convention of the Parties in Rome. He noted the progress achieved since the Committee's inception and was convinced that the fruitful
Negotiating Committee - 15 - Press Release ENV/DEV/400 7th Meeting (PM) 20 January 1997
outcome of its work was in the offing. The FAO welcomed the initiative to provide financing to enable representatives of least developed countries to participate in the Convention of the Parties and encouraged donor countries to provide resources to make that possible.
Mr. KJELLEN (Sweden), the Chairman, said there were a number of technical and non-technical issues which still had to be resolved and that he had the mandate to propose a resumed session for those problems to be resolved. He had thought of a resumed session of the Committee before the Conference of the Parties, but after consultations, it now appeared that would not be possible. The Italian Government had indicated that provisions had already been made for the Conference of the Parties.
He recalled that the General Assembly had in 1995 authorized the Committee to hold an eleventh session and that provision had accordingly been made. He therefore proposed a resumed tenth session to be held in Geneva from 18 to 22 August.
HANS HOOGEVEEN (Netherlands), speaking on behalf of the European Union, said the Union preferred an extended bureau meeting to resolve all outstanding issues.
Mr. BIAOU (Benin) said the bureau did not represent all delegations and could not act on their behalf.
DAUDI KAMANDO (United Republic of Tanzania), speaking on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, welcomed the Chairman's proposal. The Group believed the resumed session would facilitate a favourable outcome of the Conference of the Parties.
Mr. ORTIZ-GANDARILLAS (Bolivia) also welcomed the Chairman's proposal, adding that it was called for.
Mr. EL GHAOUTH (Mauritania) said it was the Committee and not the bureau which could decide whether a resumed session should be held.
The CHAIRMAN then formally proposed that in accordance with the provisions of General Assembly resolutions 50/112 and 51/183, the Committee would decide to convene a resumed tenth session in Geneva from 18 to 22 August. The Committee agreed to the proposal.
Mr. A'ALA (Syria) requested clarification from the secretariat concerning a document in which Israel was described as a member of the Asian Group.
The representatives of Iran and Oman associated themselves with the comment, with the latter noting that the Asian Group had not been able to meet
Negotiating Committee - 16 - Press Release ENV/DEV/400 7th Meeting (PM) 20 January 1997
during the session because of that situation. The secretariat should explain the composition of the Asian Group, and that a letter had been sent to the secretariat requesting that explanation.
Mr. DIALLO, the Executive Secretary, said the document was the work of a consultant and not an official paper.
Mr. A'ALA (Syria) commended the Executive Secretary for his efforts and added that he still wanted an explanation about the composition of the Asian Group. An attempt by one country to force itself on the group had resulted in the cancellation of their meetings.
Mr. DIALLO, the Executive Secretary, said the secretariat did not establish regional groups but reflected the wishes of Member States.
Mr. DJABBARY (Iran) said the issue had been raised at the second session of the Committee in Geneva.
Mr. AL-HASSAN (Oman) said his delegation had not participated in a decision regarding membership of that particular State in the Asian group.
Adoption of Report
ANATOLI M. OVCHINNIKOV (Uzbekistan), the Rapporteur, presented the draft report of the work of the Committee at its tenth session (document A/AC.241/L.35). The Committee approved the report and authorized the Rapporteur to finalize the report by incorporating the proceedings of the remainder of the session and the decisions taken earlier at today's meeting.
Closing Statements
In a closing statement, Mr. KJELLEN (Sweden), Committee Chairman, noted that a lot of progress had been made by the Committee. The Convention was about the people in the dry lands, and real progress had been made to improve their living conditions. The Convention represented fundamentals -- land and people. The Committee was giving an important message. The Convention was one of the best results of the Rio process. He looked forward to constructive work at the first session of the Conference of the Parties.
DIENEBOU KABA CAMARA (Cote d'Ivoire), speaking on behalf of the African Group, said the session had made marked progress and she hoped that the outstanding issues would be resolved at the resumed session in August. She looked forward to a successful session of the Conference of the Parties. She expressed the hope that the special urgent measures for Africa would continue beyond the Conference of the Parties, adding that African people had great hopes for the Convention.
Negotiating Committee - 17 - Press Release ENV/DEV/400 7th Meeting (PM) 20 January 1997
Mr. DIALLO, the Convention's Executive Secretary, noted the generous remarks and the criticisms made about the secretariat. He said the secretariat was at the disposal of the Committee and assured members of its preparedness to work with them for the successful implementation of the Convention.
Highlights of Tenth Session
At the just concluded tenth session, the Committee met for the first time after the coming into force of the Convention on 26 December 1996. The Convention was born out of the 1992 UNCED, and the first session of the Intergovernmental Committee to Combat Desertification was held in 1993. At the close of the session, 62 countries had deposited instruments of ratification, and an important part of the Committee's agenda, carried out by both working groups, was establishing the programme of work for the first session of the Conference of the Parties, to be held from 29 September to 10 October in Rome.
In an opening statement, the Under-Secretary-General for Policy Coordination and Sustainable Development, Nitin Desai, remarked that it was particularly important that the Convention had been successfully concluded before the five-year mid-term review of Agenda 21, the programme of action adopted by UNCED. In his opening remarks, the Committee Chairman Mr. Kjellen (Sweden) remarked that the session's work programme gave maximum attention to the Global Mechanism, and it was clear from the first meeting that reaching consensus on the definition of its functions would be one of the major challenges.
The bulk of the work completed during the session was done in the two working groups, which met more than a dozen times during the two-week session. The plenary convened six times and concerned itself primarily with extrabudgetary funds and urgent action for Africa and interim action in Asian, Latin American and the Caribbean, and Northern Mediterranean regions. Working Group I's agenda included designation of the permanent secretariat; financial rules; identification of an organization to house the Global Mechanism; and programme and budget. Working Group II issues were organization of scientific and technology cooperation; procedures for communication of information; and rules of procedure of the Conference of the Parties.
While consensus was not reached during the negotiations on the Global Mechanism, the members of Working Group I were able to resolve issues relating to the administrative functions of the permanent secretariat and the financial rules. Working Group II made progress in organizing scientific and technological cooperation for the Convention. It established priorities for the work programme of the Committee on Science and Technology and laid the groundwork for creating benchmarks and indicators.
Negotiating Committee - 18 - Press Release ENV/DEV/400 7th Meeting (PM) 20 January 1997
During the two meetings devoted to country reports detailing urgent action in Africa and interim action in the three other regions, the Committee was told how the Interim Secretariat facilitated urgent measures in countries and helped other countries prepare the framework for the implementation of the Convention. Other important initiatives were also being taken in Africa, including consultations on the implementation of a regional plan of action. Donor countries, United Nations bodies and non-governmental organizations also reported on steps taken to implement the Convention prior to ratification. The Chairman suggested that formulation of national action plans and other activities, as described during the session, signified that the Convention was active and operational in many parts of the world.
The importance of development of education and information programmes to full implementation of the Convention was also stressed during the session. Hama Arba Diallo, Executive Secretary of the Interim Secretariat, said that many countries had testified to the benefits gained from public information and awareness-raising undertaken by the Interim Secretariat, and said the Committee should decided whether that work should be continued until the establishment of the Global Mechanism.
Also during the session, the Committee agreed to accredit 23 non- governmental organizations, bringing the total number of accredited organizations to 286. There were 90 non-governmental organizations at the tenth session, and the participation of 37 was financed by the Interim Secretariat.
Committee Officers
Officers of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee for the Elaboration of an International Convention to Combat Desertification in Those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in Africa -- as the Committee is formally known -- are as follows:
Chairman, Bo Kjellen (Sweden); Vice-Chairmen, Fassassi Adam Yacoubou (Benin); Alok Jain (India); and Jose Urrutia (Peru). The Rapporteur is Anatoli M. Ovchnnikov (Uzbekistan).
Working Group I: Chairman, Mohamed Mahmoud Ould El Ghaouth (Mauritania); Vice-Chairmen, Mohamma Reza H.K. Jabbary (Iran); Erwin Ortiz-Gandarillas (Bolivia); and Franklin C. Moore (United States).
Working Group II: Chairman, Takao Shibata (Japan); Vice-Chairmen, David Etuket (Uganda) and Samvel Baloyan (Armenia).
Negotiating Committee - 19 - Press Release ENV/DEV/400 7th Meeting (PM) 20 January 1997
States Parties to Convention
As of 15 January the following countries had ratified the Convention: Afghanistan, Algeria, Argentina, Bangladesh, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, Eritrea, Federated States of Micronesia, Finland, Gabon, Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, India, Israel, Jordan, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Libya, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, Niger, Norway, Oman, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Senegal, Spain, Sudan, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Togo, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, United Kingdom, Uzbekistan, Yemen and Zambia.
The deadline to become a party to the Convention and attend the first meeting of the Conference of the Parties is 29 June.
* *** *