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Invitation Letter

16 February 2007 

 

To:    The Permanent Missions to the United   Nations of the States Parties to the   ConventionThe Permanent Missions to the United   Nations of the States not parties to the   Convention  Interested non-governmental and international  organizations 

Dear 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 2007 meetings of the Standing Committees. These meetings will take place as follows:

23 – 27 April 2007
Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD)
Avenue de la Paix 7bis (WMO Building), Geneva
 

These meetings will provide an opportunity to discuss the third year of the application of the Nairobi Action Plan 2005-2009, which was adopted on 3 December 2004 at the First Review Conference.  They also allow States Parties to follow-up on the priorities contained in the Geneva Progress Report, which was welcomed on 22 September 2006 at the Seventh Meeting of the States Parties (7MSP). The Co-Chairs of the four Standing Committees have developed agendas that will ensure ample time for discussions on matters contained in these documents. In particular, the Co-Chairs have emphasised the importance of participation by States Parties which are in the process of clearing mined areas, destroying stockpiled mines or assisting mine victims.  

The enclosed Guide to the week of Standing Committee meetings contains valuable suggestions for these States Parties and others in order that they can maximize opportunities for participation. In reviewing this guide, please note that in keeping with past practice the programme does not incorporate a general exchange of views. As in the past, it is essential in April that we get down to work on Monday morning, focusing on key aspects of implementation.

We would ask that you register for the April meetings on-line or by faxing completed registration forms to the GICHD by 13 April 2007. Should you have any questions about the agendas or if you wish to indicate in advance your intention to intervene on particular items, please contact the Implementation Support Unit (isu(at)gichd.org) or relevant Co-Chairs. 

We look forward to seeing you at the meetings in April. 

Yours sincerely,

 

Caroline Millar
Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations (Geneva) and President of the 7MSP
Stephan Nellen
Ambassador and Director Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining