STATEMENT BY CHERRYL GORDON, COUNSELLOR, PERMANENT MISSION OF JAMAICA TO THE UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK, ON BEHALF OF THE GROUP OF 77 AND CHINA, IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE AT THE 7TH SESSION OF THE CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES TO THE UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION TO COMBAT DESERTIFICATION (UNCCD) ON AGENDA ITEM 12: RATIONALE FOR, MODALITIES FOR, COSTS INVOLVED IN, FEASIBILITY OF, POSSIBLE TERMS OF REFERENCE OF, AND INSTITUTIONAL AND COLLABORATIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE REGIONAL COORDINATION UNITS (Nairobi, Kenya, 19 October 2005)

Mr. Chairman,

On behalf of the Group of 77 and China, I wish to thank the UNCCD Secretariat for presenting the document before us (ICCD/COP(7)/7), which responds to Decision No. 11 taken at COP 6 on the outstanding matter of the Regional Co-ordinating Units (RCUs).

As noted in our statement to the Plenary yesterday morning, the G77 and China intends that, at this COP 7, we complete the mandate given to us by COP 6 and take a decision on this matter.

In keeping with this intention, Mr. Chairman, the G77 and China is, of course, guided by the views, findings and recommendations of the Report before us, which clearly demonstrates the commitment of the affected country Parties in the African, Asian and Latin American and Caribbean regions, to work toward the operationalisation of the RCUs, requested by these countries so long ago. The Report demonstrates that the countries, in collaboration with UN and other regional partners are willing to take up the responsibilities involved – as far as their capabilities allow – in maintaining the RCUs.

Mr. Chairman,

The G77 and China will participate actively in any structure in which the discussions on this item will take place at this Session. In that context, it is our intention to submit specific proposals which we hope will move us forward in this regard.

I thank you.