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IN THE CORRIDORS

If the FWCW is to represent a transition from an analysis laden to action-oriented international agenda for the advancement of women, responses to the Australian initiative for a "conference of commitments" are likely to become the key indicators of substance. There is some dismay at the resistance to the initiative from some quarters, but with eighty delegations already promising to weigh in with fresh initiatives, the Australian delegation and NGOs are cautiously optimistic. Plaudits are going to Pakistan and the UK for removing reservations to CEDAW, and Australia is leading by example with commitments in six of the Platform's critical areas of concern. One NGO participant underlined the importance of the commitments with the comment that "the real work is bringing Beijing home."