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IN THE CORRIDORS I

Individuals attending the Ministerial Round Table reported that participants addressed the theme of new scientific findings and opportunities, and discussed whether the SAR provided additional justification for political action, what action is needed to reaffirm the credibility of existing commitments of Annex I Parties and what action is needed to give a new impulse to the negotiating phase of the Berlin Mandate process. One observer reported that the Round Table discussions mirrored those held throughout COP-2, with delegates disagreeing on the weight to be given the SAR. Some delegations strongly promoted both a protocol and a ministerial declaration. It was reported that the Round Table heard many interventions but had limited substantive debate. Observers were unable to state decisively whether the discussions were effected by the increased number of participants or simply reflected how far ministers were willing to go at COP-2.