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Late Breaking News from CSD-5

Updated 15 April 1997

CSD delegates continued their first reading of the draft final document. They completed their reading of the section on Sectors and Issues, proposing amendments in paragraphs dealing with issues from hazardous wastes to desertification to small island developing States. Then delegates turned to the section on Means of Implementation, which contains issues on finance, technology transfer, science, education and capacity building.

Thus far, only one of 60 paragraphs has been "adopted". Delegates agreed to renew their commitment and support for national efforts for capacity-building in developing countries and economies in transition.

Meanwhile, in Conference Room 1, a parallel session conducted informative dialogues with indigenous peoples in the morning and NGOs in the afternoon.

The informal consultations on forests, chaired by Amb. Bagher Asadi (Iran), and the consultations on institutional issues, chaired by Amb. John Ashe (Antigua and Barbuda), did not take place as scheduled because the G-77 was not ready to discuss these two, very important issues. Consultations are expected to resume on Wednesday.

There has been some concern expressed in the corridors that CSD-5 is attempting to renegotiate Agenda 21 rather than discussing new or innovative initiatives. The big question remains just what will the Special Session actually accomplish and what does the future hold in store for the CSD.

Wednesday's issue of the Earth Negotiations Bulletin summarizes Tuesday's meeting. You can also download the Earth Negotiations Bulletin in either text or PDF format.