Excellencies and Distinguished Colleagues, On behalf of the Co-Chairs of the Standing Committees established by the States Parties to the Convention, it is our pleasure to invite you to participate in the second session of the 2002-2003 meetings of the Standing Committees. These meetings will take place from 12-16 May 2003 at the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD), Room A, avenue de la Paix 7bis (WMO Building), Geneva. The Fourth Meeting of the States Parties' President's Action Program noted that during this Intersessional Programme a priority should be placed on providing mine affected States Parties and those in the process of destroying stockpiles with sufficient opportunities to share information on their plans and needs for assistance. It was heartening to see that in February so many States Parties seized the opportunities that were provided to them. In addition, it was pleasing to see that dozens of representatives of other States and relevant organizations made important contributions regarding how they can support implementation of the Convention on the part of those who may require assistance. During the week of 12-16 May, an emphasis again will be placed on providing mine affected States Parties and those in the process of destroying stockpiles with opportunities for participation. With a view to ensuring that progress is communicated and challenges identified in advance of the 2004 Review Conference, relevant States Parties may wish to use the May meetings to communicate the "4Ps" as they pertain to mine clearance, victim assistance and stockpile destruction: problems faced, plans to overcome them, progress made, and, priorities for assistance. To assist all actors in preparing for the meetings of the Standing Committees, the Co-Chairs have developed a package of background documents that may be of use to you. We would encourage you to review the enclosed Co-Chairs' Notes to Meeting Participants and note in particular the provisions for State participation in the meetings. As indicated in the Co-Chairs' Notes, you may wish to contact the Implementation Support Unit should you desire to intervene on various issues. This will greatly assist the Co-Chairs in preparing speakers lists. In order to facilitate your logistical and administrative preparations for the May meetings, please find enclosed a registration form and a document containing important administrative information. Please fill in the registration form and fax it to the GICHD no later than 5 May 2003. You can also register for the meetings of the Standing Committees on-line. We look forward to seeing you at the meetings in May and we remain, Sincerely yours,
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