Distr.

GENERAL

FCCC/CP/1996/1/Add.3

15 July 1996

ENGLISH ONLY

CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES

Second session

Geneva, 8 - 19 July 1996

Item 4 (f) of the agenda

1. The Conference of the Parties, at its third plenary meeting, considered, inter alia, arrangements for the ministerial segment under sub-agenda item 4 (f) on organization of work. In particular, the arrangements for an informal ministerial round table as contained in document FCCC/CP/1996/1/Add.1 were the subject of a number of statements. The President took note of the views expressed and announced that he would further consult on matters relating to the round table with its Chairperson, Minister Ruth Dreifuss of Switzerland.

2. The President wishes to reiterate the informal nature of the ministerial round table. It is a gathering intended to be distinct from the formal policy statements that may be made by ministers during the debate on item 5 of the Conference agenda and from any negotiations or consultations in which ministers may need to engage to conclude the official business of the session.

3. The round table will not adopt any formal conclusions. As previously announced, the Chairperson of the round table will share her personal impressions of the main trends of the discussion in the round table with the Conference at the beginning of the plenary meeting on Thursday, 18 July 1996.

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4. The President has invited heads of delegation of ministerial rank to participate in the round table. These heads of delegation may be called upon by the Chairperson to speak on the topics contained in document FCCC/CP/1996/1/Add.1. Each such head of delegation may be accompanied by one member of his/her delegation.

5. Heads of delegation other than those of ministerial rank are invited to attend.

6. Heads of delegation of partner organizations who spoke at the opening of the Conference of the Parties will attend as resource persons or observers. The Executive Secretary and colleagues from the Convention secretariat will also be in attendance.

7. The round table will be held on Wednesday afternoon, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in conference room XVII.

8. A special identification badge, to be presented together with the regular identification badge of the Conference at the entrance of conference room XVII, will be issued to those attending. These badges will be available from Mr. Lucas Assunção of the Convention secretariat on Tuesday, 16 July, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., in office A.265. Please note that badges will only be released upon presentation of appropriate identification by delegates and signature of a receipt.

9. The round table will be followed by a reception hosted by the President, the Executive Secretary and his colleagues in the secretariat for all participants and support staff of the Conference. The reception will be held at 6.30 p.m. in the Salle des Pas Perdus, Palais des Nations.