30 March 2009 

 

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 2009 Intersessional Work Programme as follows:

Meetings of the Standing Committees
25-29 May 2009
Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD)
Avenue de la Paix 7bis (WMO Building), Geneva

These meetings will provide the last informal opportunity prior to the Second Review Conference to discuss the application of the Nairobi Action Plan 2005-2009, which was adopted in 2004 at the First Review Conference. They will also allow States Parties to follow-up on the priorities contained in the Geneva Progress Report, which was welcomed at the Ninth 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 that 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 May that we get down to work on Monday morning, focusing on key aspects of implementation.

We would ask that you register on-line for the May meetings by 11 May 2009. 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.

Finally, please note that the first preparatory meeting in advance of the Second Review Conference will take place from 15:00 to 18:00 on Friday 29 May. A separate notice and agenda will be distributed for this meeting.

We look forward to seeing you in May.

Yours sincerely,

 

Jürg Streuli
Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the Conference on Disarmament and President of the Eighth Meeting of the States Parties		Stephan Husy
Director of the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining