session of the Ad hoc Working Group on Long-term Cooperative Action under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change

STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE GROUP OF 77 AND CHINA BY H.E. AMBASSADOR ABDULLAH M. ALSAIDI, HEAD OF DELEGATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF YEMEN, AT THE CLOSING PLENARY OF THE TENTH SESSION OF THE AD HOC WORKING GROUP ON LONG-TERM COOPERATIVE ACTION UNDER THE UN FRAMEWORK CONVENTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE (Bonn, Germany, 11 June 2010)

Madam Chairperson,

1. I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.

2. In our opening statement, Madam, we stressed the need to move forward if we are to succeed in addressing the profound challenges of climate change, which threatens the very existence of our societies and their development prospects. Likewise, we underscore the fact that time is running short! The need to progress is, therefore, more urgent than ever.

Madam Chairperson,

3. The AWG-LCA was launched in 2007 with an aim to "enable the full, effective and sustained implementation of the Convention through long-term cooperative action, now, up to and beyond 2012". Much work needs to be done in order to achieve a concrete, comprehensive and equitable outcome in Cancun, which centers around the implementation of the Bali Action Plan, and is in accordance with the provisions and principles of the Convention, in particular the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities.

Madam Chairperson,

4. The Group is dismayed that the "advance draft of a revised text" you produced, Madam, is imbalanced. The Group urges you to restore the balance in this text which has been affected, for example, by the removal of G77 and China's positions and proposals. Delegations from the G77 and China will convey the richness of the views of the Group.

5. The Group of 77 and China reaffirms the centrality of the UNFCCC in addressing climate change, and once again stresses the fact that our process of work must be open, party-driven and transparent. The Group also reiterates its call for allowing sufficient time for its internal coordination prior to all upcoming sessions.

Madam Chairperson,

6. Allow me, in conclusion, to assure you of our support. We have full confidence in your leadership, Madam, and look forward to engage our partners in the coming sessions in a transparent and inclusive manner in order to narrow differences and achieve a balanced outcome that serves our interests and make Cancun a success.

I thank you.