HOME > Intersessional Meetings > June 2008 > 

Invitation Letter

2 April 2008 

 

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 friends, 

On behalf of the Co-Chairs of the Standing Committees established by the Convention’s States Parties, it is our pleasure to invite you to participate in the Convention’s 2008 Intersessional Work Programme as follows:

Meetings of the Standing Committees
2 – 6 June 2008
Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD)
Avenue de la Paix 7bis (WMO Building), Geneva

These meetings will provide an opportunity to discuss the fourth year of the application of the Nairobi Action Plan 2005-2009, which was adopted on 3 December 2004 at the First Review Conference. They will also allow States Parties to follow-up on the priorities contained in the Dead Sea Progress Report, which was welcomed on 22 November 2007 at the Eighth Meeting of the States Parties. The Co-Chairs of the four Standing Committees have developed agendas that will ensure ample time for discussions on matters contained in these documents.

The Co-Chairs have emphasised the importance of participation by States Parties which are in the process of clearing mined areas, destroying stockpiled mines, assisting survivors or implementing other aspects of the Convention. The enclosed programme and background documents provide valuable suggestions for these States Parties and others in order that they can maximize opportunities for participation. In reviewing these materials, 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 June that we get down to work on Monday morning, focusing on key aspects of implementation.

We would ask that you register for the June meetings on-line or by faxing completed registration forms by 23 May 2008. 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 June.

Yours sincerely,

 

Mired Raad Al-Hussein
President of the
Eighth Meeting of the States Parties
Stephan Nellen
Ambassador and Director of the 
International Centre for Humanitarian Demining