STATEMENT BY CHERRYL GORDON, COUNSELLOR, PERMANENT MISSION OF JAMAICA TO THE UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK, ON BEHALF OF THE GROUP OF 77 AND CHINA, AT THE 7TH SESSION OF THE CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES TO THE UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION TO COMBAT DESERTIFICATION (UNCCD) ON AGENDA ITEM 1, ADDENDUM 1: ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA AND ORGANIZATION OF WORK (Nairobi, Kenya, 24th October 2005)

Mr. President.

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China on this matter.

The G77 and China believe that rules exist to govern us; to ensure order and harmony in our proceedings; without them, we would operate in an atmosphere of chaos and mistrust. Coincidentally, consultations play a much similar role; paving the way for understanding and clarity among delegations.

The G77 and China therefore wish to emphasise our unequivocal respect for the procedures that govern this Convention. Accordingly, we fully support the right of any State Party to propose an item for inclusion in a provisional supplementary agenda, in accordance with Rule 12 of the Rules of Procedure of the UNCCD.

The G77 and China also express its appreciation to you, Mr. President, for your efforts to hold lengthy consultations in order to smooth deliberations on the question at hand.

Mr. President, after careful consideration of the proposal put forward to include an item on the agenda on the procedure for the appointment of an Executive Secretary for the Convention; the G77 and China is convinced that inclusion of this item would not advance the work of the Conference of the Parties, at this Session, nor of this Convention in general. In fact, we are convinced that a discussion on this matter would serve only to drive deeper the wedge of suspicion and discord among the Parties to this Convention, whether or not this is the intention of the proponents. As such, we cannot support the inclusion of the proposed item and would appeal to its proponents to withdraw their proposal.

I thank you, Mr. President.