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Third Meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs-3)

Geneva, Switzerland
6 - 11 Septembre, 1999

On the second day of INC-3, delegates conducted preliminary discussions on measures to reduce or eliminate releases of POPs into the environment. Delegates also established a contact group, which met in an evening session, to consider the provisions and annexes on prohibition and restrictions on the production and use of certain POPs. The Legal Drafting Group (LDG) met throughout the day to examine standard procedural articles.

Delegates heard a report from the LDG's Chair Patrick Szell (UK) who said the group would act carefully in addressing articles as policy issues may arise, and be flexible in order to follow substantive discussions in Plenary (excerpts)
IPEN'S WOMEN'S WORKING GROUP supported complete elimination and expressed concern over breast milk contamination from POPs. She also requested inclusion of language to address the role of women.
On Article D, FINLAND, on behalf of the EU, called for clear obligations to prohibit production and use, and stressed the ultimate aim of elimination
WWF said the message of elimination must be in specific control measures and supported a two-annex approach to highlight the ultimate goal of elimination. He said import or export of POPs should be consistent with the Basel Convention and only for environmentally sound disposal. He highlighted a new report on disease vector management for public health and conservation.
The USA statement on Article, in which it supported several
exemptions and allowing individual end users to deplete remaining stocks
CHINA supported common but differentiated responsibilities and different phaseout schedules for developed and developing countries.
The INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL OF CHEMICAL ASSOCIATIONS (ICCA) supported two annexes for prohibition and restriction
POLAND supported prohibition of all ten intentionally produced POPs
The WHO recommended exportation of DDT stockpiles to countries that
use DDT for malaria control as a cost-effective manner for disposal. He
supported including a definition of "alternatives" in the convention.
The INUIT CIRCUMPOLAR CONFERENCE (ICC) called for elimination, cost-effective alternatives, financial and technical assistance and new funding through a reformed GEF or through a multilateral fund.
GREENPEACE INTERNATIONAL underscored elimination as the ultimate goal, called for a provision requiring use of practicable alternatives when available and supported implementing the polluter pays principle.
The DOMINICAN REPUBLIC expressed concern that developing countries could become POPs dumping grounds with a two-track system of obligations
The BASEL CONVENTION announced that its work programme includes a proposed classification of obsolete pesticides needing reformulation, in close cooperation with UNEP Chemicals to avoid possible gaps or overlaps. He added that under Basel, there are provisions that request environmental management of POPs, and that criteria for those are included in annex documents or technical directives.

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