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The COPconsidered the Secretariats document, which contains the offers received by the Interim Secretariat in response to the invitation issued by the ICCBD. Most countries favored continuation of the Interim Secretariat until the permanent secretariat is established. There was virtual agreement that UNEP is best suited to take on the permanent secretariat role. Australia said that the selection of UNEP must not influence the decision of the COP on the location issue, nor should it preclude the possibility of drawing from other sources. Many countries preferred one body, rather than a consortium, to carry out secretariat functions. The IUCN, UNDP, FAO, and UNESCO highlighted their areas of expertise and willingness to participate with the secretariat. The EU reiterated the need for this COP to take a final decision regarding the secretariat. A contact group chaired by Mr. El-Ghaouth (Mauritania) met to resolve outstanding issues. (See page 8.)