COP-
Part II came to a close late Friday night, after agreeing to forward
text for key decisions to COP-7. Although ten decisions that were part
of the "package" of decisions were agreed here at Bonn, including
text on technology transfer and finance, key decisions such as those
on the mechanisms, LULUCF and compliance were not finished by the end
of the meeting, and will be taken up again in Morocco late October at
COP-7.
However,
in spite of not finishing their work on all the operational details of
the Protocol, delegates seemed in buoyant mood, given the political
decisions – or Bonn Agreements – sealed on Monday, 23 July.
The
Earth Negotiations Bulletin summarizing events at COP-6 Part
II, including an analysis, will be online Monday, 30 July.
Above photo: UNFCCC Executive Secretary, Michael Zammit Cutajar and
President Jan Pronk congratulating each other for a successful
conclusion of COP6 Part Two and a bird's eye view of the plenary.
The closing Plenary took
place on Friday evening, 27 July 2001. COP-6 President Pronk addressed
delegates, stating that this meeting advanced the implementation of
the UNFCCC and brought the Protocol closer to reality, as agreed under
the BAPA. The COP then adopted a number of decisions relating to the
agenda items on organizational, administrative and financial, and
other matters, as well as on the implementation of the BAPA. Above
photo: The dias during the closing plenary.
After hearing reports
from the Co-Chairs of the negotiating groups on progress in recent
days, President Pronk noted that delegates had now come close to
adopting a balanced "package" of decisions on all issues
under the BAPA. However, as a few outstanding items remained
unfinished, the draft decisions would all be forwarded to COP-7 for
final adoption.
President
Pronk highlighted his aims of encouraging intensive work on the texts,
safeguarding the integrity of the political decision – or "Bonn
Agreement" on fulfilling the BAPA – and ensuring a fair
process. He thanked delegates for their hard work, and said he has
received confirmation from all groups that completion of the work will
take place at COP-7 in way that is faithful to the Bonn Agreement. He
added that the Bonn Agreement will make the Protocol ratifiable.
Iran,
on behalf of the G-77/China, said the Group had come to Bonn to finish
unfinished work, and thanked all participants for the positive
atmosphere of cooperation and understanding. On matters relating to
compliance, he indicated that the G-77/China welcomed the Co-Chairs'non-paper
(FCCC/CP/2001/CRP12/Rev.1) as a good basis for discussions, and said
the adoption of legally binding consequences remained a major
objective for the Group.
Samoa,
for AOSIS, said the resumed COP-6 outcomes have breathed new life into
the Protocol, adding that delegates have taken an historic step
towards creating an environmentally responsible, carbon restrained
world. He indicated his appreciation to those Annex I countries
involved in the Political Declaration on new and additional funding
assistance. While noting that the Protocol is "only a modest
first step," he highlighted its key role as offering "the
only viable lifeline."
Belgium (Above photo),
for the EU, said the Bonn Agreement lays a foundation for the
successful conclusion of these ongoing negotiations. He said he was
hopeful that a balanced and comprehensive package of decisions will be
achieved at COP-7.
Australia
welcomed the significant progress since the "historic" Bonn
Agreement on Monday, 23 July. He noted with satisfaction agreement on
issues such as finance and technology transfer, and looked forward to
completing work on all outstanding texts at COP-7.
Morocco
extended a welcome to Parties to continue at Marrakech the
achievements in Bonn. President Pronk declared the resumed COP-6
closed at 10:30 pm.
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