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FCCC/CP/1998/L.17

12 November 1998

Original: ENGLISH

CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES

Fourth session

Buenos Aires, 2-13 November 1998

The Conference of the Parties,

Having learned, with deep sadness, of the considerable loss of life and devastation caused by Hurricane Mitch in Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador, Belize, Costa Rica and Panama,

Aware of the high vulnerability of Central American countries to climate phenomena,

Concerned that global warming may be contributing to the worsening of weather, and concluding that further scientific investigation of the impacts of climate change and its relationship to extremes of weather is critical,

Recognizing as well that the unfortunate occurrences mentioned lend special urgency to our deliberations in this Conference, and oblige us to look for new opportunities for common cooperative actions,

1. Expresses to the people and governments of Central America its strongest solidarity in the tragic circumstances they are facing, which demonstrate the need to take action to prevent and mitigate the effects of climate change, particularly in the most vulnerable countries;

2. Invites the international community, including intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, to lend immediate assistance;

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3. Urges all governments, United Nations agencies, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and society in general, to continue their efforts to find permanent solutions to the factors which cause or may cause climate events, and to take steps to achieve the early entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol; and

4. Invites support for the Central American initiatives from the Presidential Summit convened in San Salvador, El Salvador, on 9 November 1998, which calls for a sustainable reconstruction plan for Central American countries, and for increased technical and financial assistance for Central America.