RD/948

                                                                                                               3 September 2001

STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT OF CONFERENCE

The President of the Conference, Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, convened a meeting of the bureau this evening to report on the withdrawal of two delegations from the Conference.  The atmosphere of the meeting was one of determination to continue the work of the Conference, to build on the constructive work already done, and to bring the Conference to a successful end.  Regret was expressed at the meeting at the withdrawal of the two delegations.  At the same time, there were strong expressions of support for the Conference, its historic mission, and the importance of a successful outcome.

The President of the Conference made proposals to the bureau regarding ways of accelerating its work and reaching a consensus on the particularly difficult issues relating to the Middle East.  Members of the bureau welcomed the President’s efforts and are reporting to their respective regional groups.

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