ENB:03:04
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ALGERIA:
The representative from Algeria said that
desertification affects more than 100 countries and is not unique
to one continent, but is singularly tragic in Africa. Despite the
enormous efforts of Africa, the 1977 Plan of Action to Combat
Desertification (PACD) has not had significant results due to a
lack of resources and two major droughts. With regard to the INCD,
Algeria's position is that the problem is global and the Convention
should not be second-rate. The Convention should be given the same
priority and attention as climate change and biodiversity. The
Convention should have practical modalities and the other regional
instruments should be negotiated only after June 1994. An interim
mechanism should be set up and a prompt start should be endorsed by
the General Assembly. Algeria is concerned about the financial
resources for the Convention. Some countries only want to use
existing resources, yet this is why the PACD failed. A special fund
should be established. Algeria hopes that the General Assembly
adopts the draft resolution without further negotiation and urged
governments to contribute to the INCD's voluntary fund to enable
the participation of developing countries. Algeria also announced
that it is willing to host an INCD Bureau meeting in the Sahara as
well as an African preparatory meeting in early January 1994, just
prior to the third session of the INCD.