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GENERAL ASSEMBLY RESOLUTION

A draft resolution on the "United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II)" (A/C.2/50/L.27) was first introduced in the Second Committee by the Philippines, on behalf of the G-77 and China, and Turkey on 22 November 1995. During informal consultations, one of the issues that arose was the dates of PrepCom III. In the draft resolution, the G-77 proposed changing the dates of the PrepCom to 26 February - 8 March 1996, in deference to requests by Islamic countries who did not want the PrepCom to meet during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. However, a statement on the financial implications of this resolution (A/C.2/50/L.44) noted that neither facilities nor services are available at UN Headquarters at this time. Under these circumstances, delegates agreed to maintain the original proposed dates for PrepCom III — 5-16 February 1996.

The final resolution (A/C.2/50/L.57), which was adopted by the Second Committee on 5 December 1995, endorses the report of the PrepCom on its second session. In addition to deciding that the third session of the PrepCom will be held in New York from 5-16 February 1996, the resolution requests the Secretary-General to make the necessary provisions, within existing resources, so that the PrepCom may, if it so decides, establish two working groups to meet in addition to plenary meetings for the duration of the third session. The resolution also: reaffirms that the Conference should be held at the highest possible level of participation; expresses sincere appreciation to those States and organizations that have made or pledged financial or other contributions in support of the preparatory activities for the Conference; requests the Secretary-General of the Conference to continue to make every effort to raise extrabudgetary resources for Conference activities and preparations; renews its appeal to all Governments to make contributions to the voluntary fund; and encourages all relevant NGOs to participate in and contribute to the Conference and its preparatory process.

The resolution is expected to be adopted by the General Assembly Plenary before Christmas.