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WORKING GROUP II
Working Group II completed its work Wednesday afternoon by adopting three draft decisions.
AGENDA ITEM 8 " ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE FINANCIAL MECHANISM: The Co-Chair invited comments on the draft decisions in A/AC.237/WG.II/L.10 on modalities, A/AC.237/WG.II/L.11 on policy guidance, and A/AC.237/WG.II/L.13 on temporary arrangements between the GEF and the Committee.
A/AC.237/WG.II/L.10: The Co-Chair suggested inserting "keeping in mind comments by delegations" in paragraph 2, which recalls the INC mandate to prepare for COP-1. The G-77 said the phrase was inadequate because the draft referred to document A/AC.237/87 without mentioning the proposed G-77 amendments, and suggested inserting "as amended" after the reference. However, the EU, the US and the UK did not want to accord "amendment" status to the G-77 proposals since there had been no substantive debate. The Group adopted the draft and agreed to note the delegations" comments.
A/AC.237/WG.II/L.11: The Co-Chair stated that most paragraphs in this decision had already been agreed upon. Delegates agreed on paragraphs 1-6. India suggested adding a reference to Articles 4.3, 4.5 and 4.7 in paragraph 7 to emphasize the importance of technology transfer, but the UK and the US did not want to reference any articles. The Russian Federation suggested a reference to developing countries and countries with economies in transition, but the G-77 objected. China requested that the Secretariat develop a list of technology transferable free of charge, but the EU, the UK, the US, Russia, Germany and Australia objected, stating that they did not disagree with the idea but with the timing. The Group agreed to delete the portion of paragraph 8 recommending that the COP continue preparing guidelines on format and content of communications for non-Annex 1 Parties.
A/AC.237/WG.II/L.13: The Co-Chair introduced A/AC.237/WG.II/L.13, which gives guidance to the GEF. He highlighted paragraph 2, on the maintenance of interim arrangements, and paragraph 3, on the modalities for the functioning of operational linkages between the COP and the GEF. Delegates adopted L.13, provided its structure is modified to be consistent with L.11.
AGENDA ITEM 9 " PROVISION TO DEVELOPING COUNTRY PARTIES OF TECHNICAL AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT: Delegates adopted a six-paragraph addition to paragraph 70 of the draft report of the Committee. The first five paragraphs summarize the discussion on this item and the sixth paragraph requests the Interim Secretariat to continue to facilitate the provision of technical and financial support.