ENB:03:04 [Next] . [Previous] . [Contents]

---

AUSTRALIA:

Corinne Tomkinson said that the second session of the CSD will be the first real test of its capacity to fulfill its challenging mandate. Australia is concerned that the current guidelines for the preparation of national reports may be so difficult as to discourage Governments. The CSD should consider ways to simplify the guidelines for national reports and facilitate their voluntary preparation. Australia is committed to the success of the Conference on the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States, encouraged other governments to consider the benefit of high-level political attendance in Barbados, and to support the AOSIS proposal for a one-week resumed session of the PrepCom to address outstanding issues. Australia also supports the draft resolution to extend the mandate of the INCD until January 1995, on the clear understanding that it will not prejudge the content of the Convention itself. Australia also supports the continued work of the Conference on Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks, remains opposed to large-scale driftnet fishing on the high seas, and supports the review of UNEP's regional and liaison offices.