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IN THE CORRIDORS II

An increasing number of delegations have expressed tremendous frustration about the virtual lack of access to the UNCED Secretariat. Since Monday, the Secretariat offices (located in the Plenary Hall) have been heavily guarded and off limits to all but Secretariat staff. Delegations are required to make prior arrangements to meet with Secretariat staff. This has been problematic since delegations must often consult with Secretariat staff on an impromptu basis and do not have the time nor energy to track down individuals by phone. Another "grumbling point" has been the lack of access to press conferences to NGOs and delegates who maintain that if important information is to be communicated in a public forum, they should not be expected to rely on intermediaries for this information.