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RURAL/URBAN DEBATE:

One issue that remained unresolved by the end of the Conference was its focus. Most countries wanted a focus on the urban issues such as housing, shelter, air, water, sewage and transport. For the Conference to be a success it must define its focus and it should not attempt to tackle too many issues. Boutros Boutros-Ghali was clear in his view that the proper focus of the Conference should be on cities, hence his suggestion that this be called "The City Summit." However, a few countries, particularly in Africa, argued that the Conference should focus on the poor, regardless of their rural or urban location. Many African interventions noted that too much attention was being given to urban areas. They suggested the Conference should focus on the poor and their living conditions, regardless of whether they live in the country or the cities. Several States noted that the Guidelines require more emphasis on rural areas, particularly in developing countries. Ecuador highlighted that it is the rural exodus to the cities that creates many of the problems and hence the rural problems deserve much more focus. Senegal suggested that there should be no distinction between rural and urban human settlements, rather discussion should focus on how all citizens can have access to basic infrastructure and services.