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IN THE CORRIDORS

The numerous amendments proposed to the first five paragraphs of the revised text reflected overwhelming dissatisfaction among governments. There was also discontent, discouragement and despair among NGOs. Many NGOs felt that the revised text was a step in the wrong direction -- backwards. Several felt that some of the strongest points in the first draft had been removed. For example, the new text does not refer to existing international instruments. Nor does it accurately reflect the role of women or farmers in social development. Furthermore, it does not address the effects of the globalization of world markets and trade liberalization. Both the Women's Caucus and the Canadian NGOs tabled detailed amendments to the revised text and expressed lingering hope that these amendments would be taken seriously by governments.