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CONTINUING TO ADVANCE IMPLEMENTATION OF ARTICLE 4.1

The AGBM considered commitments of non-Annex I Parties on Thursday, 7 March, reviewing the introduction of guidelines for non-Annex I Parties’ national communications presented at the previous week’s SBSTA and SBI meetings.

COSTA RICA, on behalf of the G-77/China, said the AGBM is on a separate track. It must consider its own momentum and concentrate on strengthening the Annex I Parties’ commitments. The G-77/China did not consider this a key item and warned against spending too much time with it. He recalled the workshop on communications of non- Annex I Parties that led to the G-77/China position paper submitted to the subsidiary bodies. It reflects the spirit of UNCED and represents a great step forward in advancing non-Annex I Parties’ commitments. The SBI requested the Secretariat to facilitate assistance on follow-up fora.

The US said all countries can further their activities for growth and protect the environment at the same time. He noted that the IPCC points out several P&M that require little or no costs. He supported the G-77/China proposal for an additional workshop and regional meetings on best practices. He suggested using the multilateral consultative process to be developed under Article 13 as a vehicle and said an additional component must be a firm commitment to an ongoing work programme on technology. The EU said the information in national communications is an essential first step and added that the GEF should meet the agreed full cost by non-Annex I Parties. In light of the projected increase in GHG emissions, the AGBM should focus on facilitating technology cooperation.

INDIA stressed the importance of national communications as part of an ongoing process. He said the issues of technology transfer and finance related to the developing countries had been deliberated at great length by the subsidiary bodies. The AGBM focus is not on the non-Annex I countries, but on strengthening Annex I Parties’ commitments. That is the foundation and there should be no distraction from that goal.

JAPAN said that national communications by all Parties are as important as strengthening Article 4.2 (a) and (b). P&M enhance equity among Parties. While he appreciated the G- 77/China proposal on guidelines, he expects further elaboration at another workshop. National communications are important not only for Annex I Parties but for non-Annex I Parties to project future emissions.

CANADA said climate change is a global problem and requires an effective international response. She stressed the importance of widely disseminating the findings of the SAR and increased public awareness on the issue. She noted the strong interest of non-Annex I Parties to support indigenous capacity building and said AIJ offers private sector investment opportunities.

AUSTRALIA welcomed indications that Parties have increased their efforts on national communications. He said the adoption of an initial AIJ pilot phase is a positive step and noted the developing countries’ interest in adaptation planning. He said all Parties must take on specific new actions beyond those already underway and said many no regrets opportunities are available. BRAZIL reported on a workshop on a possible format for non-Annex I Parties’ national communications. He said this exercise was extremely useful and additional workshops may be in order.

The PHILIPPINES said the references to Article 4.1 must not be taken in isolation. She said that the advancing of commitments will not introduce any new commitments for non-Annex-I Parties and that Article 4.1 notes that all Parties have differentiated commitments. She welcomed recognition of the G-77/China proposal. The COOK ISLANDS said many delegations are aware of efforts in the Pacific Islands. He looks forward to implementation of CC:TRAIN. NEW ZEALAND said the AGBM’s core objective refers to Annex I Parties, but the Group must not lose sight of the obligations of all Parties. He welcomed SBSTA’s progress on non-Annex I communications and said that for small low-lying island countries, adaptation is a particular concern. He suggested enhanced liaison to make sure multilateral institutions integrate climate change concerns into their operations.

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