Co-Chairs,

I have the honour to make this intervention on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. These comments constitute the Group's contribution to this Ad Hoc Open-ended Informal Working Group's discussion of Agenda Item 5.

The Group recalls in particular the comments made by the co-chair prior to the adjournment of the last session, in particular the request made, soliciting views and comments from members, on the mandate and preparatory process in light of paragraph 162 of the Rio +20 Outcome Document and paragraph 182 of the General Assembly Resolution 76/78.

Co-Chairs,

Having taken due note of the comments made by delegations before lunch, the Group of 77 & China wishes to reiterate once again its long standing position of favoring an expedited conclusion of an implementing agreement under UNCLOS to address the issue of the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in ABNJ.

In this same connection, the Group of 77 and China, in line with the spirit of urgency espoused to in the Rio+20 Agreement, is of the view that in order to realize such a position, a clear preparatory process needs to be established now to specifically address the feasibility, scope, and general parameters of such an implementing agreement.

Co-Chairs,

Our assessment of the discussion thus far, it is clear to this Group that there exist two distinct schools of thought in this Working Group. There are those who favor discussions to continue under the current configuration and those proposing migration to a new configuration, perhaps with a new mandate under a new setting etc.

On the issue of "Mandate" and the "Way Forward", our Group wishes to put forward the following proposal: "A recommendation to the 68th Session of the UNGA that this Working Group, within its current mandate, be given a specific task to examine the scope and general parameters of an implementing Agreement. This would serve as a preparatory process to give effect to the decision of Rio+20."

Co-Chair,

In making such a proposition, the Group of 77 and China is fully cognizant of the limited time available for our disposal. The Group prefers that the decision reflecting the above proposal to emanate from the General Assembly omnibus resolution on Oceans. In this connection, the Group proposes that this Working Group consult the Secretariat on the possibility of the formulation of a Working Paper to assist our work and on the practicability of holding meetings at more regular intervals. Further, the Group would prefer the proposed Working Group to be instructed with clear and precise deadlines.

Co-Chairs,

In conclusion, the G77 and China would welcome reactions and comments on this proposition.

Thank you.