REPORT OF THE CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES ON ITS FOURTH SESSION, HELD AT BUENOS AIRES FROM 2 TO 14 NOVEMBER 1998

PART ONE: PROCEEDINGS

Paragraphs Page

OPENING OF THE SESSION 1 - 7 6
(Agenda item 1)
1. Statement by the President of the Conference at its third session 2 6
2. Election of the President of the Conference at its fourth session 3 6
3. Statement by the President 4 6
4. Addresses of welcome 5 7
5. Statement by the Executive Secretary 6 7
6. Other statements 7 8

GE.99-

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ORGANIZATIONAL MATTERS 8 - 39 8
(Agenda item 2)
1. Status of ratification of the Convention and the Kyoto Protocol 8 - 10 8
2. Adoption of the rules of procedure 11 - 12 9
3. Adoption of the agenda 13 - 16 9
4. Election of officers other than the President 17 - 20 13
5. Admission of organizations as observers 21 14
6. Organization of work, including the sessions of the subsidiary bodies 22 - 25 14
7. Participation in contact groups 26 - 28 16
8. Calendar of meetings of Convention bodies 2000-2001 29 - 30 17
9. Date and venue of the fifth session of the Conference of the Parties 31 - 32 17
10. Adoption of the report on credentials 33 18
11. Attendance 34 - 38 18
12. Documentation 39 20
REPORTS OF SUBSIDIARY BODIES 40 - 52 21
(Agenda item 3)
1. Report of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice 40 - 44 21
2. Report of the Subsidiary Body for Implementation 45 - 48 22
3. Report of the Ad Hoc Group on Article 13 49 - 52 23

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REVIEW OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMMITMENTS AND OF OTHER PROVISIONS OF THE CONVENTION 53 - 73 24
(Agenda item 4)
1. Information communicated under Article 12 53 - 56 24
  - National communications from Parties included in Annex I to the Convention 53 - 54 24
  - Initial national communications from Parties not included in Annex I to the Convention 55 - 56 24
2. Financial mechanism 57 - 60 25
  - Report of the Global Environment Facility to the Conference 57 - 58 25
    
    2. Review process referred to in decision 9/CP.1 59 - 60 25
3. Development and transfer of technologies (decision 13/CP.1) 61 - 62 25
4. Second review of the adequacy of Article 4.2(a) and (b) 63 - 64 26
5. Implementation of Article 4.8 and 4.9 of the Convention (decision 3/CP.3 and Articles 2.3 and 3.14 of the Kyoto Protocol) 65 - 66 26
6. Activities implemented jointly: review of progress under the pilot phase (decision 5/CP.1) 67 - 68 27
7. Review of information and possible decisions under Article 4.2(f) 69 - 70 27
8. Other matters relating to implementation 71 - 73 27
  - Research and systematic observation (Articles 4.1(g) and 5 of the Convention) 71 - 72 27

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Scientific and methodological aspects of the proposal by Brazil 73 28

MATTERS RELATED TO THE KYOTO PROTOCOL 74 - 82 28
(Agenda item 5)
1. Matters related to decision 1/CP.3, paragraph 5 74 - 80 28
  - Land-use change and forestry 74 - 75 28
  - Articles 6, 12 and 17 of the Kyoto Protocol 76 - 78 28
  - Impact of single projects on emissions in the commitment period 79 - 80 29
2. Matters related to decision 1/CP.3, paragraph 6:
  preparations for the first session of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Protocol 81 - 82 29

ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCIAL MATTERS 83 - 84 30
(Agenda item 6)
GENERAL STATEMENTS 85 - 90 30
(Agenda item 7)
1. Addresses at the Presidential ceremony 85 30
2. Statements by ministers and other heads of delegation of Parties at the high-level segment 86 30
3. Statements by observer States 87 31
4. Statements by intergovernmental organizations 88 - 89 31
5. Statements by non-governmental organizations 90 31

OTHER MATTERS 91 - 92 31
(Agenda item 8)

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NATURAL DISASTER IN CENTRAL AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN 93 - 95 32
CONCLUSION OF THE SESSION 96 - 100 33
(Agenda item 9)
1. Adoption of the report of the Conference of the Parties on its fourth session 96 33
2. Closure of the session 97 - 100 33

Annexes

Annex I Address by the President of the Republic of Argentina and message from the Secretary-General of the United Nations under agenda item 7 (a) 34

Annex II General statements made under agenda item 7 (b), (c), (d) and (e): list of speakers 38

Annex III List of intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations attending the fourth session of the Conference of the Parties 52

Annex IV List of documents before the Conference of the Parties at its fourth session 58

PART TWO: ACTION TAKEN BY THE CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES AT ITS FOURTH SESSION⁽¹⁾

DECISIONS ADOPTED BY THE CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES
RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY THE CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES
OTHER ACTION TAKEN BY THE CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES

I. OPENING OF THE SESSION

(Agenda item 1)

The fourth session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, convened pursuant to Article 7.4 of the Convention and decision 5/CP.3, was opened at the Centro de Exposiciones del Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina, on 2 November 1998, by the President of the Conference at its third session, Mr. Hiroshi Ohki, Representative of the Government of Japan.

A. Statement by the President of the Conference at its third session

(Agenda item 1 (a))

The President of the Conference at its third session welcomed all participants to the fourth session of the Conference of the Parties and expressed his appreciation to the Government of Argentina for hosting the Conference and to the City of Buenos Aires for its hospitality. Recalling that the Kyoto Protocol had been adopted by the Conference at its third session after long and strenuous negotiations, he said that the Conference now had to determine whether the political momentum generated at Kyoto could be maintained by preparing a solid foundation for the successful implementation of the Protocol. Progress had been made since the Kyoto Conference on various topics, including issues relating to sinks and mechanisms, and he expressed the hope that further progress could be achieved at Buenos Aires. Humankind's common desire for affluence must not lead to destruction of the environment. There was therefore a need to re-examine existing economic structures and lifestyles. In facing environmental issues, particularly that of global warming, it was essential to ensure the participation of not just experts, bureaucrats or politicians, but of all the citizens of the world.

B. Election of the President of the Conference at its fourth session

(Agenda item 1 (b))

At the 1^st plenary meeting, on 2 November, on the proposal of the outgoing President, the Conference of the Parties elected by acclamation Ms. María Julia Alsogaray, Secretary of Natural Resources and Sustainable Development of Argentina, as its President.

C. Statement by the President

(Agenda item 1 (c))

On assuming office, the President welcomed all participants to the fourth session of the Conference of the Parties, on behalf not only of the Government of Argentina and the Government of the City of Buenos Aires, but also of all the people of Argentina. She stated that Argentina was a nation with a growing environmental awareness and was proud to be the first country in the southern hemisphere to host discussions on the challenge of reversing the consequences of current development models on the planet's climate. Argentina did not belong to the group of countries with historical responsibilities for the climate change problem, but it did wish to belong to the group of countries with future responsibilities for commitments leading to a solution of that problem. The adoption of the Kyoto Protocol at the previous session had provided a true starting point for the formulation of action programmes; it was her earnest hope that such an action programme could be established at the current session of the Conference and that Buenos Aires would be remembered as the place where a new momentum in the history of the Convention was achieved. Argentina believed that all Parties to the Convention had very specific responsibilities in the forthcoming negotiations. The role of non-Annex I countries should not be limited to demanding that the industrialized countries should reverse the damage caused by development models that did not take environmental considerations into account. They too had the ethical duty to adopt social, economic and technological models that would lead to sustainable development. It was time to stop arguing about who was to blame for the past and to start taking the steps needed so as not to be blamed for the future.

D. Addresses of welcome

(Agenda item 1 (d))

Mr. Fernando de la Rúa, Head of Government of the City of Buenos Aires, welcomed all the participants and said that the City and the people of Buenos Aires were proud to have been chosen to host the fourth session of the Conference of the Parties. They were very conscious of the importance of the Conference and of the significance of the fact that it was being held in the southern hemisphere. Six years had passed since the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, when the world community had subscribed to the climate change and other important environmental agreements. The importance of adding an environmental dimension to the agenda of national policies, in the developing as well as the developed world, could no longer be denied. Environmental problems were global problems affecting all countries and all peoples, and thus required a global response from the international community as a whole. The problem of climate change constituted a particularly difficult challenge. Bearing in mind the guiding principle in the Convention of common but differentiated responsibilities, all countries, without compromising their legitimate development objectives, needed to become involved in the process of reducing emissions of greenhouse gases. The involvement of the private sector and the transfer of modern technologies were vital elements in such a process. In conclusion, he wished to emphasize that the decisions adopted at the Conference could influence the future of humankind and have a significant effect on human patterns of behaviour and lifestyles. There was, therefore, a need to approach such decisions with courage and responsibility, and with a sense of equity and justice.

E. Statement by the Executive Secretary

(Agenda item 1 (e))

The Executive Secretary said that the fact that the Conference of the Parties was meeting in a developing country underlined the global nature of the problem of climate change, which required the equitable participation of all countries in a global strategy to deal with it. Poor people and poor countries were also extremely vulnerable to the effects of climate change and that too called for an equitable global response. At the current session, there was a need to maintain the political momentum generated at Kyoto by getting down to the task of putting the Kyoto Protocol into effect with mechanisms that would provide flexibility, ensure credibility and promote sustainable development. Conditions had to be created that would attract the necessary ratifications for the Protocol to enter into force. The basic task of the session was to agree on an action plan on all aspects of the Protocol that would set ambitious and politically firm deadlines for agreement. The current session was also an occasion to put new vigour into the implementation of the Convention, no issue being more important than that of transferring technology and know-how to developing countries for their sustainable development. The transfer of technology and financial resources which would support developing countries in lowering their emission trends would largely have to come from business and industry. He expressed the hope that the current session would mark the positive engagement of the private sector in an effective and equitable global strategy.

F. Other statements

At the 2^nd plenary meeting, on 2 November, general statements were made by the representatives of Indonesia (on behalf of the Group of 77 and China), Austria (on behalf of the European Community and its member States), Japan and the United States of America.

II. ORGANIZATIONAL MATTERS

(Agenda item 2)

A. Status of ratification of the Convention and the Kyoto Protocol

(Agenda item 2 (a))

For its consideration of this sub-item at its 1^st plenary meeting, on 2 November, the Conference of the Parties had before it an information document on the status of ratification of the Convention and of the Kyoto Protocol (FCCC/CP/1998/INF.5). On the invitation of the President, the Conference of the Parties took note with satisfaction that, as of 2 November 1998, 174 States and one regional economic organization were Parties to the Convention. It also took note that, as of that date, 59 States had signed the Kyoto Protocol and that one of those States, Fiji, had deposited an instrument of ratification. The President, in conclusion, expressed the hope that additional signatures and the instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession required to bring the Kyoto Protocol into force would be received as soon as possible.
At its 3^rd plenary meeting, on 6 November, the Conference of the Parties was informed that Antigua and Barbuda had deposited its instrument of ratification of the Kyoto Protocol on 3 November, thus bringing the number of ratifications to two.
At its 8^th plenary meeting, on 14 November, the Conference of the Parties was informed that the United States of America had signed the Kyoto Protocol on 12 November, thus bringing the number of signatory States to 60.

B. Adoption of the rules of procedure

(Agenda item 2 (b))

At the 1^st plenary meeting, on 2 November, the President informed the Conference of the Parties that, having received a report from the President of the Conference at its third session on his consultations on the draft rules of procedure, she intended to carry out further negotiations on the unresolved issues with a view to finding a solution before the end of the session. On the proposal of the President, the Conference of the Parties decided that, in the meantime, as at previous sessions, the draft rules of procedure as contained in document FCCC/CP/1996/2 should continue to be applied, with the exception of draft rule 42.
At the 8^th plenary meeting, on 14 November, the President informed the Conference of the Parties that it had not proved possible to make any significant progress on the issue during the course of the session. The Presidency intended, therefore, to undertake further consultations in the inter-sessional period and would report back to the Conference of the Parties at its fifth session. On the proposal of the President, the Conference of the Parties agreed that the draft rules of procedure, with the exception of draft rule 42, should continue to be applied at the next sessions of the subsidiary bodies.

C. Adoption of the agenda

(Agenda item 2 (c))

For its consideration of this sub-item at its 1^st and 2^nd plenary meetings, on 2 November, the Conference of the Parties had before it a note by the Executive Secretary containing the provisional agenda and annotations (FCCC/CP/1998/1 and Add.1). Introducing the note, the Executive Secretary proposed amendments to the wording of items 3, 4 (a), 5 (a) (iii) and 5 (a) (iv) of the provisional agenda, which responded to questions raised in informal consultations. In the course of the ensuing discussion, the Executive Secretary also proposed an amendment for the wording of item 4 (e) of the provisional agenda.
Item 6 of the provisional agenda, on voluntary commitments by non-Annex I Parties, had been included in the provisional agenda at the request of Argentina under rule 10 (d) of the draft rules of procedure being applied. Statements were made in that connection by Argentina and by 37 other Parties, including one speaking on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, one speaking on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island States, and one speaking on behalf of the European Community and its member States. The President, noting that there was clearly no consensus on the inclusion of item 6 in the agenda of the Conference, proposed that the item should be deleted.
At its 2^nd plenary meeting, on 2 November, the Conference of the Parties,on the proposal of the President, approved the provisional agenda contained in document FCCC/CP/1998/1, as amended by the Executive Secretary and with the deletion of item 6. The agenda, as adopted,⁽²⁾ thus read as follows:

Opening of the session:
(a) Statement by the President of the Conference at its third session;

(b) Election of the President of the Conference at its fourth session;

(c) Statement by the President;

(d) Addresses of welcome;

(e) Statement by the Executive Secretary.
Organizational matters:
(a) Status of ratification of the Convention and the Kyoto Protocol;

(b) Adoption of the rules of procedure;

(c) Adoption of the agenda;

(d) Election of officers other than the President;

(e) Admission of organizations as observers;

(f) Organization of work, including the sessions of the subsidiary bodies;

(g) Participation in contact groups;

(h) Calendar of meetings of Convention bodies 2000-2001;

(i) Date and venue of the fifth session of the Conference of the Parties;

(j) Adoption of the report on credentials.
Reports of subsidiary bodies:
(a) Report of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice;

(b) Report of the Subsidiary Body for Implementation;

(c) Report of the Ad Hoc Group on Article 13.
Review of the implementation of commitments and of other provisions of the Convention:
(a) Information communicated under Article 12:

(i) National communications from Parties included in Annex I to the Convention;

(ii) Initial national communications from Parties not included in Annex I to the Convention;

(b) Financial mechanism:

(i) Report of the Global Environment Facility to the Conference;

(ii) Review process referred to in decision 9/CP.1;

(c) Development and transfer of technologies (decision 13/CP.1);

(d) Second review of the adequacy of Article 4.2(a) and (b);

(e) Implementation of Article 4.8 and 4.9 of the Convention

(decision 3/CP.3 and Articles 2.3 and 3.14 of the Kyoto Protocol);

(f) Activities implemented jointly: review of progress under the pilot phase

(decision 5/CP.1);

(g) Review of information and possible decisions under Article 4.2(f);

(h) Other matters relating to implementation:

(i) Research and systematic observation (Articles 4.1(g) and 5 of the Convention);

(ii) Scientific and methodological aspects of the proposal by Brazil.
Matters related to the Kyoto Protocol:
(a) Matters related to decision 1/CP.3, paragraph 5:

(i) Land-use change and forestry;

(ii) Article 6 of the Kyoto Protocol;

(iii) Article 12 of the Kyoto Protocol;

(iv) Article 17 of the Kyoto Protocol;

(v) Impact of single projects on emissions in the commitment period.

(b) Matters related to decision 1/CP.3, paragraph 6: preparations for the first session of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Protocol.
Administrative and financial matters:
(a) Arrangements for administrative support to the Convention;

(b) Income and budget performance:

(i) Financial performance in the biennium 1996-1997;

(ii) Initial report on financial performance in the biennium 1998-1999;

(c) Scale of contributions to the core budget.
General statements:
(a) Addresses at the Presidential ceremony;

(b) Statements by ministers and other heads of delegation of Parties at the high-level segment;

(c) Statements by observer States;

(d) Statements by intergovernmental organizations;

(e) Statements by non-governmental organizations.
Other matters.
Conclusion of the session:
(a) Adoption of the report of the Conference of the Parties on its fourth session;

(b) Closure of the session.
Upon the adoption of the agenda, the President stated that, in light of the views expressed, it was clear that several Parties were interested in participation in informal consultations on the matters referred to in the useful debate that had just taken place. She would facilitate informal consultations in response to that interest, consistent with the agenda just adopted, the provisions of the Convention and the practice of the Conference of the Parties, and ensuring full objectivity and transparency.

D. Election of officers other than the President

(Agenda item 2 (d))

At its 2^nd plenary meeting, on 2 November, on the proposal of the President, the Conference of the Parties elected by acclamation seven Vice-Presidents and the Rapporteur of the Conference, the Chairman of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice and the Chairman of the Subsidiary Body for Implementation.
At the 3^rd plenary meeting, on 6 November, the Conference of the Parties was informed that, pursuant to rule 25 of the draft rules of procedure being applied, Mr. Mohamed Al Sabban (Saudi Arabia) had been replaced by Mr. Nazar Ibrahim Taufiq (Saudi Arabia). The Bureau of the Conference was thus constituted as follows:

President

Ms. María Julia Alsogaray (Argentina)

Vice-Presidents

Mr. John Ashe (Antigua and Barbuda)

Mr. Ole Plougmann (Denmark)

Mr. Papa Cham (the Gambia)

Mr. Tengiz Gzirishvili (Georgia)

Mr. Espen Rønneberg (Marshall Islands)

Mr. Harald Dovland (Norway)

Mr. Nazar Ibrahim Taufiq (Saudi Arabia)

Rapporteur

Mr. Maciej Sadowski (Poland)

Chairman of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice

Mr. Kok Kee Chow (Malaysia)

Chairman of the Subsidiary Body for Implementation

Mr. Bakary Kante (Senegal)

At its 2^nd meeting, on 2 November, the Conference of the Parties agreed, on the proposal of the President, that consultations should continue with regard to nominations for the posts of vice-chairpersons and rapporteurs of the subsidiary bodies, with a view to their election as soon as possible during the current sessions of those bodies.
At its 8^th meeting, on 14 November, the Conference of the Parties, on the proposal of the President and following the practice established at the first session of the Conference of the Parties, elected the following officers of the subsidiary bodies:

Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice

Vice-Chairman: Mr. Lambert Gnapelet (Central African Republic)

Rapporteur: Mr. Andrej Kranjc (Slovenia)

Subsidiary Body for Implementation

Vice-Chairman: Mr. Mohammad Reza Salamat (Iran)

to replace Mr. José Romero (Switzerland) as from February 1999

Rapporteur: Mr. Klaus Radunsky (Austria)

E. Admission of organizations as observers

(Agenda item 2 (e))

For its consideration of this sub-item at its 1^st plenary meeting, on 2 November, the Conference of the Parties had before it a note by the secretariat on the admission of organizations as observers (FCCC/CP/1998/14 and Add.1), listing three intergovernmental organizations and 66 non-governmental organizations that had requested to be admitted as observers at the current session. Pursuant to a recommendation by the Bureau of the Conference, which had reviewed the list of applicant organizations, the Conference of the Parties decided to admit those organizations as observers, in addition to organizations already accorded observer status at previous sessions of the Conference of the Parties, on the understanding that any organization in the list with an asterisk against its name would be requested to reapply if it wished to continue to follow the work of the Convention after the fourth session of the Conference of the Parties (see annex III below).

F. Organization of work, including the sessions of the subsidiary bodies

(Agenda item 2 (f))

At its 2^nd plenary meeting, on 2 November, the Conference of the Parties, on the proposal of the President, decided on the following allocation of items to the subsidiary bodies:
(a) To the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI):
- Calendar of meetings of Convention bodies (agenda item 2 (h)) 2000-2001
- Information communicated under Article 12 (agenda item 4 (a))
- Financial mechanism (agenda item 4 (b))
- Second review of the adequacy of Article 4.2(a) (agenda item 4 (d)) and (b)
- Implementation of Article 4.8 and 4.9 of the (agenda item 4 (e))
  Convention (decision 3/CP.3 and Articles 2.3 and 3.14 of the Kyoto Protocol)
- Review of information and possible decisions (agenda item 4 (g)) under Article 4.2(f)
- Administrative and financial matters (agenda item 6)
(b) To the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA):
- Development and transfer of technologies (agenda item 4 (c))
  (decision 13/CP.1)
- Other matters relating to implementation (agenda item 4 (h))
- Land-use change and forestry (agenda item 5 (a) (i))
- Impact of single projects on emissions in the (agenda item 5 (a) (v))
  commitment period
(c) To both the SBI and the SBSTA:
- Activities implemented jointly: review of (agenda item 4 (f))
  progress under the pilot phase (decision 5/CP.1)
- Article 6 of the Kyoto Protocol (agenda item 5 (a) (ii))
- Article 12 of the Kyoto Protocol (agenda item 5 (a) (iii))
- Article 17 of the Kyoto Protocol (agenda item 5 (a) (iv))
- Matters related to decision 1/CP.3, paragraph 6: (agenda item 5 (b))
  preparations for the first session of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Protocol
With regard to agenda item 4 (e), it was agreed, at the suggestion of one Party, that the Chairmen of the two subsidiary bodies should determine whether or not there was a need for that item to be considered by the SBSTA as well as by the SBI.
The subsidiary bodies were requested to develop draft decisions and/or conclusions on the items referred to them, with a view to their adoption by the Conference of the Parties by 11 November at the latest. They should thus conclude their work by the evening of 10 November. Any items left unresolved by the subsidiary bodies would be referred to the President for consultations with ministers and other heads of delegation during the high-level segment, to be held on 12 and 13 November. With regard to the general debate to be held during the high-level segment, it was agreed that the list of speakers should be officially closed at 18.00 hours on Wednesday, 4 November, and that all representatives should be limited to five minutes of speaking time.
At the 5^th plenary meeting, on 11 November, after the Chairmen of the SBSTA and the SBI had reported on the outcome of the discussions in their respective bodies on the items allocated to them, the President, noting that a number of issues remained outstanding, informed the Conference of the Parties that she intended to convene a representative group of "friends of the President" at the ministerial level, to which the entire Bureau would also be invited, in order to develop a strategy on how to deal with the outstanding issues.

G. Participation in contact groups

(Agenda item 2 (g))

In opening this sub-item at the 2^nd plenary meeting, on 2 November, the President recalled that the SBI at its eighth session had requested the secretariat to prepare a draft decision on the modalities for the participation of representatives of NGOs in contact groups (FCCC/CP/1998/6, para. 83). In response to that request the secretariat had prepared a draft text originally circulated under the symbol FCCC/CP/1998/L.1, which was subsequently revised in the light of further consultations and was now before the Conference under the symbol FCCC/CP/1998/L.1/Rev.1. She drew attention to certain understandings underlying the proposed decision, namely, that it addressed the participation of IGOs as well as NGOs; that, in general, the nature of their participation was attendance without the right to make interventions; that, if there were space limitations in the meeting rooms, the Chairs of the contact groups reserved the right to request IGOs and NGOs to limit their participation; and, lastly, that participation in negotiations was limited to Parties.
After the Executive Secretary had introduced the revised text in document FCCC/CP/1998/L.1/Rev.1, statements were made by representatives of five Parties, including one speaking on behalf of the European Community and its member States. Commenting on those statements, the Executive Secretary confirmed that the draft decision sought to respond to the political will of the Parties to broaden access to the work of the Conference of the Parties and its subsidiary bodies. He acknowledged that the draft dealt with a matter that was germane to the draft rules of procedure, as applied, and suggested that, when those draft rules came to be considered, it might be appropriate to amend them so as to reflect the substance of the proposed decision.
At the 2^nd plenary meeting, on 2 November, the Conference of the Parties adopted decision 18/CP.4 entitled "Attendance of intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations at contact groups." For the text of this decision, see Part Two, section I, of this report.

H. Calendar of meetings of Convention bodies 2000-2001

(Agenda item 2 (h))

This sub-item was referred to the SBI by the Conference of the Parties at its 2^nd plenary meeting, on 2 November (see paragraph 22 above). Unable to reach agreement on a recommendation to the Conference of the Parties, the SBI decided to forward a draft decision prepared by the Chairman of the SBI (FCCC/CP/1998/L.14) to the plenary of the Conference for further consideration (see paragraph 47 below). At the 8^th plenary meeting, on 14 November, the President informed the Conference of the Parties that agreement had been reached in informal consultations on draft decision FCCC/CP/1998/L.14, with one amendment.
At the same meeting, the Conference of the Parties adopted decision 19/CP.4 entitled "Calendar of meetings of Convention bodies 2000-2001", on the understanding that the secretariat would attempt to identify an alternative date for the second sessional period in the year 2000, taking into account the availability of facilities and conference services. For the text of this decision, see Part Two, section I, of this report.

I. Date and venue of the fifth session of the Conference of the Parties

(Agenda item 2 (i))

This item was considered by the Conference of the Parties at its 5^th and 8^th plenary meetings, on 11 and 14 November. At the 5^th plenary meeting, the Executive Secretary confirmed that an offer to host the fifth session of the Conference of the Parties had been received from the Government of Jordan. There were, however, a number of organizational and financial issues that needed to be resolved before a final decision could be taken compatible with General Assembly resolution 40/243 of 18 December 1985. It was his hope that those issues could be overcome in time for a decision to be taken at the present session, but there might be a need for some flexibility in that regard.
At the 8^th plenary meeting, on 14 November, after hearing a statement by the representative of Jordan, the Conference of the Parties, on the proposal of the President, requested the Executive Secretary to continue consultations with the Government of Jordan and to report to the President of the Conference, not later than 11 December 1998, on whether the fifth session of the Conference of the Parties could be held in Amman, Jordan, in conformity with General Assembly resolution 40/243.

J. Adoption of the report on credentials

(Agenda item 2 (j))

At the 8^th plenary meeting, on 14 November, the Executive Secretary informed the Conference of the Parties that formal credentials, as specified in the draft rules of procedure being applied, had been issued for the representatives of the 150 Parties participating in the fourth session, with the exception of the following: Albania, Guinea-Bissau, India, Jordan, Romania, Sudan, Togo and the United States of America. The Conference of the Parties took note of the statement by the Executive Secretary and approved the credentials of the representatives of the Parties attending the fourth session, on the understanding that the formal credentials for the representatives of the Parties referred to by the Executive Secretary would be communicated to the secretariat as soon as possible.

K. Attendance

The fourth session of the Conference of the Parties and the concurrent sessions of the subsidiary bodies were attended by representatives of the following 150 Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change:

Albania

Algeria

Antigua and Barbuda

Argentina

Armenia

Australia

Austria

Bahamas

Bangladesh

Barbados

Belgium

Belize

Benin

Bhutan

Bolivia

Botswana

Brazil

Bulgaria

Burkina Faso

Burundi

Cambodia

Canada

Central African Republic

Chile

China

Colombia

Congo

Cook Islands

Costa Rica

Côte d'Ivoire

Croatia

Cuba

Cyprus

Czech Republic

Denmark

Djibouti

Ecuador

Egypt

El Salvador

Eritrea

Estonia

Ethiopia

European Community

Fiji

Finland

France

Gambia

Georgia

Germany

Ghana

Greece

Guatemala

Guinea-Bissau

Guyana

Haiti

Honduras

Hungary

Iceland

India

Indonesia

Iran (Islamic Republic of)

Ireland

Israel

Italy

Jamaica

Japan

Jordan

Kazakhstan

Kenya

Kiribati

Kuwait

Lao People's Democratic Republic

Latvia

Lebanon

Lesotho

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malawi

Malaysia

Maldives

Mali

Marshall Islands

Mauritania

Mauritius

Mexico

Micronesia (Federated States of)

Monaco

Mongolia

Morocco

Myanmar

Namibia

Nauru

Nepal

Netherlands

New Zealand

Nicaragua

Niger

Nigeria

Niue

Norway

Oman

Pakistan

Panama

Papua New Guinea

Paraguay

Peru

Philippines

Poland

Portugal

Qatar

Republic of Korea

Republic of Moldova

Romania

Russian Federation

Saint Lucia

Samoa

Saudi Arabia

Senegal

Seychelles

Sierra Leone

Singapore

Slovakia

Slovenia

Solomon Islands

South Africa

Spain

Sri Lanka

Sudan

Swaziland

Sweden

Switzerland

Syrian Arab Republic

Thailand

Togo

Trinidad and Tobago

Tunisia

Turkmenistan

Tuvalu

Uganda

Ukraine

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

United Republic of Tanzania

United States of America

Uruguay

Uzbekistan

Venezuela

Viet Nam

Zambia

Zimbabwe
The sessions were also attended by observers for the following States not Parties to the Convention: Belarus, Dominican Republic, Holy See, Iraq, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Palau and Turkey.
The following United Nations offices and programmes were represented:

United Nations

Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC)

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)

United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

United Nations University

United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)

United Nations Joint Inspection Unit

United Nations Non-governmental Liaison Service (NGLS)

United Nations Information Centre

United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (CCD)

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD/UNEP)
The following specialized agencies and other organizations of the United Nations system were represented:

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (UNESCO/IOC)

World Health Organization (WHO)

World Bank (IBRD)

World Bank/International Finance Corporation (IFC)

Global Environment Facility (GEF)

World Meteorological Organization (WMO)

WMO/UNEP Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

World Trade Organization (WTO)
For a list of the intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations attending the sessions, see annex III below.

L. Documentation

The documents before the Conference of the Parties, at its fourth session, are listed in annex IV below.

III.REPORTS OF SUBSIDIARY BODIES

(Agenda item 3)

A. Report of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice

(Agenda item 3 (a))

At its 2^nd plenary meeting, on 2 November, the Conference of the Parties, having heard a report on the work of the SBSTA from its Chairman, took note with appreciation of the report of the SBSTA on its eighth session.⁽³⁾
At the 3^rd plenary meeting, on 6 November, the Chairman of the SBSTA reported to the Conference of the Parties on the progress made in the SBSTA on agenda items 4 (c), 4 (h) (i), 4 (h) (ii), 5 (a) (i) and 5 (a) (v), which had been referred to the SBSTA, and on agenda items 4 (f), 5 (a) (ii) (iii) and (iv), and 5 (b), which had been referred jointly to the SBSTA and the SBI. Discussions were still continuing on all those items.
At the 5^th plenary meeting, on 11 November, the Chairman of the SBSTA reported to the Conference of the Parties on the work of its ninth session. On agenda items 4 (c), 4 (h), 5 (a) (i) and 5 (a) (v), referred solely to the SBSTA, the SBSTA had recommended draft decisions for adoption by the Conference of the Parties.⁽⁴⁾ In the case of the draft decision on agenda item 4 (c) (FCCC/CP/1998/L.16), however, two delegations had raised objections when the text was approved in the SBSTA, and that draft decision would therefore need further consideration before it could be adopted by the Conference of the Parties. With regard to the items referred jointly to the SBSTA and the SBI (agenda items 4 (f), 5 (a) (ii-) - (iv) and 5 (b)), despite intensive consultations it had not proved possible to reach final agreement on the draft decisions under discussion. Those drafts, forwarded to the Conference of the Parties in documents FCCC/CP/1998/CRP.2, CRP.3 and CRP.4, would therefore need further consideration before they could be adopted by the Conference of the Parties. For the action taken by the Conference of the Parties on the above at its 5^th plenary meeting, see paragraph 25 above and paragraphs 72, 75 and 80 below. (For the action taken by the Conference of the Parties at its 8^th plenary meeting on the outstanding items referred to it by the SBSTA, see paragraphs 62, 68, 77 and 82 below.)
At the same meeting, the Chairman of the SBSTA informed the Conference of the Parties that a Party had raised the issue of the relationship between efforts to protect the stratospheric ozone layer and efforts to safeguard the global climate system, and issues related to hydrofluorocarbons and perfluorocarbons. The SBSTA had considered that issue under item 4 of its agenda, "Other matters", and had recommended a draft decision in document FCCC/CP/1998/L.7 for adoption by the Conference of the Parties.
At its 5^th plenary meeting, on 11 November, the Conference of the Parties took note of the oral report of the Chairman of the SBSTA on the work of its ninth session and adopted decision 13/CP.4 entitled, "Relationship between efforts to protect the stratospheric ozone layer and efforts to safeguard the global climate system: issues related to hydrofluorocarbons and perfluorocarbons." For the text of this decision, see Part Two, section I, of this report.

B. Report of the Subsidiary Body for Implementation

(Agenda item 3 (b))

At its 2^nd plenary meeting, on 2 November, the Conference of the Parties, having heard a report on the work of the SBI from its Chairman, took note with appreciation of the report of the SBI on its eighth session (see FCCC/SBI/1998/6).⁽⁵⁾
At the 3^rd plenary meeting, on 6 November, the Chairman of the SBI reported to the Conference of the Parties on the progress made in the SBI on agenda items 2 (h), 4 (a), 4 (b), 4 (d), 4 (e), 4 (g) and 6, which had been allocated to the SBI. Discussions were continuing on all those items, with the exception of sub-item 4 (g), Review of information and possible decisions under Article 4.2(f), in respect of which the SBI had agreed to recommend a draft decision (FCCC/CP/1998/L.2) for adoption by the Conference of the Parties. For the action taken by the Conference of the Parties on that sub-item, see paragraph 70 below.
At the 5^th plenary meeting, on 11 November, the Chairman of the SBI reported to the Conference of the Parties on the work of its ninth session. Of the items allocated to the SBI, the Conference of the Parties had already taken action on a recommendation of the SBI on agenda item 4 (g) (see paragraph 70 below). Draft decisions had been prepared on agenda items 2 (h), 4 (a) (i), 4 (a) (ii), 4 (b), 4 (d), 4 (e) and 6,⁽⁶⁾ but despite intensive consultations it had not proved possible to reach final agreement on those draft decisions, with the exception of the draft decision on agenda item 6 (FCCC/CP/1998/L.13), which the SBI had recommended for adoption by the Conference of the Parties. The SBI had therefore decided to forward the draft decisions on the outstanding items to the plenary of the Conference for further consideration. In the case of agenda item 4 (d), in addition to the draft decision that he had prepared as Chairman (FCCC/CP/1998/L.12), the SBI had also decided to forward four alternative drafts prepared, respectively, by the Group of 77 and China (FCCC/CP/1998/MISC.6/Add.2/Rev.1), Australia, Austria, on behalf of the European Community and its member States, and the United States of America (FCCC/CP/1998/MISC.6/Add.3). For the action taken by the Conference of the Parties on the above at the 5^th plenary meeting, see paragraph 25 above and paragraph 84 below. (For the action taken by the Conference of the Parties at its 8^th plenary meeting on the outstanding items referred to it by the SBI, see paragraph 32 above and paragraphs 54, 56, 58, 60, 64, 66, 68, 77 and 82 below.)
48. At the 5^th plenary meeting, on 11 November, the Conference of the Parties took note of the oral report of the Chairman of the SBI on the work of its ninth session.

C. Report of the Ad Hoc Group on Article 13

(Agenda item 3 (c))

At the 2^nd plenary meeting, on 2 November, the Chairman of the Ad Hoc Group on Article 13 reported to the Conference of the Parties on the outcome of the work of the Group and introduced the report of the Group on its sixth and final session (FCCC/AG13/1998/2). The Group had been able to reach agreement on the entire text of the multilateral consultative process, set out in annex II to that report, with the exception of two matters contained in square brackets in paragraphs 8 and 9 of that text. The two unresolved issues related to the number of members of the Multilateral Consultative Committee and the criteria for designating members to the Committee. Should it prove possible to resolve those two issues in the course of the session and proceed to adopt the multilateral consultative process, Parties would need to nominate experts to be designated by the Conference of the Parties as members of the Committee for its first period of operation. Should it not prove possible, he would suggest that the Conference of the Parties could approve the draft text of the multilateral consultative process, with the exception of the two matters still in square brackets; refer the outstanding matters to the next session of the Conference, with a view to the adoption of the process at that session; and invite the President to designate a Vice-President to conduct consultations on those matters in the inter-sessional period.
At the same meeting, the Conference of the Parties took note with appreciation of the report of the Ad Hoc Group on Article 13 on its sixth session (FCCC/AG13/1998/2). The President, thanking the Chairman of the Ad Hoc Group for his dedicated leadership, indicated that she would consult with members of the Bureau on how best to proceed with consultations on the outstanding issues.
At the 3^rd plenary meeting, on 6 November, the Chairman of the Ad Hoc Group, who had been requested by the Bureau of the Conference to conduct the consultations referred to in paragraph 49 above, informed the Conference of the Parties that in those consultations a consensus had been reached on a draft decision on the multilateral consultative process, which was before the Conference in document FCCC/CP/1998/L.3.
At the same meeting, the Conference of the Parties, on the proposal of the President, adopted decision 10/CP.4 entitled "Multilateral consultative process". For the text of this decision, see Part Two, section I, of this report.

IV. REVIEW OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMMITMENTS AND OF OTHER PROVISIONS OF THE CONVENTION

(Agenda item 4)

A. Information communicated under Article 12

(Agenda item 4 (a))

1. National communications from Parties included in Annex I to the Convention

(Agenda item 4 (a) (i))

This sub-item was referred to the SBI by the Conference of the Parties at its 2^nd plenary meeting, on 2 November (see paragraph 22 above). Unable to reach agreement on a recommendation to the Conference of the Parties, the SBI decided to forward a draft decision prepared by the Chairman of the SBI (FCCC/CP/1998/L.10) to the plenary of the Conference for further consideration (see paragraph 47 above). At the 8^th plenary meeting, on 14 November, the President informed the Conference of the Parties that agreement had been reached in informal consultations on draft decision FCCC/CP/1998/L.10.
At the same meeting, the Conference of the Parties adopted decision 11/CP.4 entitled "National communications from Parties included in Annex I to the Convention". For the text of this decision, see Part Two, section I, of this report.

2. Initial national communications from Parties not included in Annex I to the Convention

(Agenda item 4 (a) (ii))

This sub-item was referred to the SBI by the Conference of the Parties at its

2^nd plenary meeting, on 2 November (see paragraph 22 above). Unable to reach agreement on a recommendation to the Conference of the Parties, the SBI decided to forward a draft decision prepared by the Chairman of the SBI (FCCC/CP/1998/L.11) to the plenary of the Conference for further consideration (see paragraph 47 above). At the 8^th plenary meeting, on 14 November, the President informed the Conference of the Parties that agreement had been reached in informal consultations on draft decision FCCC/CP/1998/L.11, with some amendments.
At the same meeting, the Conference of the Parties adopted decision 12/CP.4 entitled "Initial national communications from Parties not included in Annex I to the Convention". For the text of this decision, see Part Two, section I, of this report.

B. Financial mechanism

(Agenda item 4 (b))

1. Report of the Global Environment Facility to the Conference

(Agenda item 4 (b) (i))

This sub-item was referred to the SBI by the Conference of the Parties at its 2^nd plenary meeting, on 2 November (see paragraph 22 above). Unable to reach agreement on a recommendation to the Conference of the Parties, the SBI decided to forward a draft decision prepared by the Chairman of the SBI and contained in document FCCC/CP/1998/L.15 to the plenary of the Conference for further consideration (see paragraph 47 above). At the 8^th plenary meeting, on 14 November, the President introduced a draft decision contained in document FCCC/CP/1998/L.22 on which agreement had been reached in informal consultations.
At the same meeting, the Conference of the Parties adopted decision 2/CP.4 entitled "Additional guidance to the operating entity of the financial mechanism". For the text of this decision, see Part Two, section I, of this report.

2. Review process referred to in decision 9/CP.1

(Agenda item 4 (b) (ii))

This sub-item was referred to the SBI by the Conference of the Parties at its 2^nd plenary meeting, on 2 November (see paragraph 22 above). Unable to reach agreement on a recommendation to the Conference of the Parties, the SBI decided to forward a draft decision prepared by the Chairman of the SBI and contained in document FCCC/CP/1998/L.15 to the plenary of the Conference for further consideration (see paragraph 47 above). At the 8^th plenary meeting, on 14 November, the President introduced a draft decision contained in document FCCC/CP/1998/L.22, on which agreement had been reached in informal consultations.
At the same meeting, the Conference of the Parties adopted decision 3/CP.4 entitled "Review of the financial mechanism". For the text of this decision, see Part Two, section I, of this report.

C. Development and transfer of technologies (decision 13/CP.1

(Agenda item 4 (c))

This sub-item was referred to the SBSTA by the Conference of the Parties at its 2^nd plenary meeting, on 2 November (see paragraph 22 above). At the 5^th plenary meeting, on 11 November, the Chairman of the SBSTA informed the Conference of the Parties that, although the SBSTA had decided to recommend a draft decision (FCCC/CP/1998/L.16) for adoption by the Conference of the Parties, in the light of objections raised at the time of its approval by the SBSTA that draft would need further consideration by the plenary of the Conference (see paragraph 42 above). At the 8^th plenary meeting, on 14 November, the President informed the Conference of the Parties that the objections to the adoption of draft decision FCCC/CP/1998/L.16 had been withdrawn.
At the same meeting, the Conference of the Parties adopted decision 4/CP.4 entitled "Development and transfer of technologies". For the text of this decision, see Part Two, section I, of this report.

D. Second review of the adequacy of Article 4.2(a) and (b)

(Agenda item 4 (d))

This sub-item was referred to the SBI by the Conference of the Parties at its 2^nd plenary meeting, on November 2 (see paragraph 22 above). Unable to reach agreement on a recommendation to the Conference of the Parties, the SBI decided to forward, in addition to a draft decision by the Chairman, four alternative drafts prepared by the Group of 77 and China, Australia, Austria (on behalf of the European Community and its member States) and the United States of America (see paragraph 47 above).
At the 8^th plenary meeting, on 14 November, the President informed the Conference of the Parties that, despite extensive consultations, it had proved impossible to reach any agreed conclusions or decisions on the sub-item.

E. Implementation of Article 4.8 and 4.9 of the Convention (decision 3/CP.3 and Articles 2.3 and 3.14 of the Kyoto Protocol)

(Agenda item 4 (e))

This sub-item was referred to the SBI by the Conference of the Parties at its 2^nd plenary meeting, on November 2 (see paragraph 22 above). Unable to reach agreement on a recommendation to the Conference of the Parties, the SBI decided to forward a draft decision contained in document FCCC/CP/1998/L.9 to the plenary of the Conference for further consideration (see paragraph 47 above). At the 8^th plenary meeting, on 14 November, the President informed the Conference of the Parties that agreement had been reached in informal consultations on draft decision FCCC/CP/1998/L.9, with a number of amendments.
At the same meeting, the Conference of the Parties adopted decision 5/CP.4 entitled "Implementation of Article 4.8 and 4.9 of the Convention (decision 3/CP.3 and Articles 2.3 and 3.14 of the Kyoto Protocol)". For the text of this decision, see Part Two, section I, of this report.

F. Activities implemented jointly: review of progress under the pilot phase
(decision 5/CP.1)

(Agenda item 4 (f))

This sub-item was to referred to both the SBI and to the SBSTA by the Conference of the Parties at its 2^nd plenary meeting, on 2 November (see paragraph 22 above). Unable to reach agreement on a recommendation to the Conference of the Parties, the two subsidiary bodies decided to forward a draft decision contained in document FCCC/CP/1998/CRP.2 for further consideration (see paragraph 42 above). At the 8^th plenary meeting, on 14 November, the President introduced, with some amendments, a draft decision (FCCC/CP/1998/L.20) on which agreement had been reached in informal consultations.
At the same meeting the Conference of the Parties adopted decision 6/CP.4 entitled "Activities implemented jointly under the pilot phase". For the text of this decision, see Part Two, section I, of this report.

G. Review of information and possible decisions under Article 4.2(f)

(Agenda item 4 (g))

This sub-item was referred to the SBI by the Conference of the Parties at its 2^nd plenary meeting, on 2 November (see paragraph 22 above). At the 3^rd plenary meeting, on 6 November, the Chairman of the SBI introduced a draft decision (FCCC/CP/1998/L.2) which the SBI had recommended for adoption by the Conference of the Parties (see paragraph 46 above).
At the same meeting, the Conference of the Parties adopted decision 15/CP.4 entitled "Review of information and possible decisions under Article 4.2(f) of the Convention", the text of which is contained in Part Two, section I, of this report. Upon the adoption of this decision, statements were made by the representative of Pakistan and by the observer for Turkey.

H. Other matters relating to implementation

(Agenda item 4 (h))

1. Research and systematic observation (Articles 4.1(g) and 5 of the Convention)

(Agenda item 4 (h) (i))

This sub-item was referred to the SBSTA by the Conference of the Parties at its
2^nd plenary meeting on 2 November (see paragraph 22 above). At the 5^th plenary meeting, on 11 November, the Chairman of the SBSTA introduced a draft decision (FCCC/CP/1998/L.4) which the SBSTA had recommended for adoption by the Conference of the Parties (see paragraph 42 above).
At the same meeting, the Conference of the Parties adopted decision 14/CP.4 entitled "Research and systematic observation". For the text of this decision, see Part Two, section I, of this report.

2. Scientific and methodological aspects of the proposal by Brazil

(Agenda item 4 (h) (ii))

This sub-item was referred to the SBSTA by the Conference of the Parties at its 2^nd plenary meeting on 2 November (see paragraph 22 above). At its 5^th plenary meeting, on 11 November, the Conference of the Parties took note of the SBSTA's conclusions on this sub-item,⁽⁷⁾ and requested the SBSTA to inform the Conference of the Parties, at its fifth session, of any relevant information, taking into account the results of ongoing scientific activities and information from a workshop to be organized by Brazil on that issue.

V. MATTERS RELATED TO THE KYOTO PROTOCOL

(Agenda item 5)

A. Matters related to decision 1/CP.3, paragraph 5

(Agenda item 5 (a))

1. Land-use change and forestry

(Agenda item 5 (a) (i))

This sub-item was referred to the SBSTA by the Conference of the Parties at its 2^nd plenary meeting, on 2 November (see paragraph 22 above). At the 5^th plenary meeting, on 11 November, the Chairman of the SBSTA introduced a draft decision (FCCC/CP/1998/L.5) which the SBSTA had recommended for adoption by the Conference of the Parties (see paragraph 42 above).
At the same meeting, the Conference of the Parties adopted decision 9/CP.4 entitled "Land-use, land-use change and forestry". For the text of this decision, see Part Two, section I, of this report.

2. Articles 6, 12 and 17 of the Kyoto Protocol

(Agenda item 5 (a) (ii)-(iv))

These sub-items were referred to both the SBSTA and the SBI by the Conference of the Parties at its 2^nd plenary meeting, on 2 November (see paragraph 22 above). Unable to reach agreement on a recommendation to the Conference of the Parties, the two subsidiary bodies decided to forward to the Conference of the Parties a draft decision by the two Chairmen, together with a draft proposal by the Co-chairs of a joint contact group on mechanisms, contained in document FCCC/CP/1998/CRP.3 (see paragraph 42 above). At the 8^th plenary meeting, on 14 November, the President introduced, with some amendments, a draft decision (FCCC/CP/1998/L.21) on which agreement had been reached in informal consultations.
At the same meeting, the Conference of the Parties adopted decision 7/CP.4 entitled "Work programme on mechanisms of the Kyoto Protocol to the Convention." For the text of this decision, see Part Two, section I, of this report.
On the adoption of this decision, a statement was made by the representative of Switzerland. He said that, while welcoming the successful outcome on the important topic of the work programme on the Kyoto Protocol mechanisms, he felt obliged to register a protest at the exclusion of many countries from the informal ministerial consultations convened by the President (see paragraph 25 above). While he recognized the need to limit participation in such consultations, he considered that such consultative groups should be established by the Conference itself with clearly defined mandates and that the progress therein should be regularly reported to the Parties as a whole. He called upon the Bureau and the secretariat to propose, for consideration by the Conference of the Parties at its next session, ways and means of achieving a more open and democratic consultative process.

3. Impact of single projects on emissions in the commitment period

(Agenda item 5 (a) (v))

This sub-item was referred to the SBSTA by the Conference of the Parties at its

2^nd plenary meeting on 2 November (see paragraph 22 above). At the 5^th plenary meeting, on 11 November, the Chairman of the SBSTA introduced a draft decision (FCCC/CP/1998/L.8) which the SBSTA had recommended for adoption by the Conference of the Parties (see paragraph 42 above).
At the same meeting, the Conference of the Parties adopted decision 16/CP.4 entitled "Impact of single projects on emissions in the commitment period". For the text of this decision, see Part Two, section I, of this report.

B. Matters related to decision 1/CP.3, paragraph 6: preparations for the first session of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Protocol

(Agenda item 5 (b))

This sub-item was allocated to both the SBSTA and the SBI by the Conference of the Parties at its 2^nd plenary meeting, on 2 November (see paragraph 22 above). Unable to reach agreement on a recommendation to the Conference of the Parties, the subsidiary bodies decided to forward an informal proposal by the two Chairmen (FCCC/CP/1998/CRP.4) to the Conference of the Parties for further consideration (see paragraph 42 above). At the 8^th plenary meeting, on 14 November, the President introduced, with some amendments, a draft decision (FCCC/CP/1998/L.19) on which agreement had been reached in informal consultations.
At the same meeting, the Conference of the Parties adopted decision 8/CP.4 entitled "Preparations for the first session of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol". For the text of this decision, see Part Two, section I, of this report.

VI. ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCIAL MATTERS

(Agenda item 6)

This item was referred to the SBI by the Conference of the Parties at its 2^nd plenary meeting on 2 November (see paragraph 22 above). At the 5^th plenary meeting, on 11 November, the Chairman of the SBI introduced a draft omnibus decision covering all the sub-items of agenda item 6, which the SBI had recommended for adoption by the Conference of the Parties (see paragraph 47 above).
At the same meeting, the Conference of the Parties adopted decision 17/CP.4 entitled "Administrative and financial matters". For the text of this decision, see Part Two, section I, of this report.

VII. GENERAL STATEMENTS

(Agenda item 7)

A. Addresses at the Presidential ceremony

(Agenda item 7 (a))

At the 4^th plenary meeting, on 11 November, a ceremonial event was held to mark the visit to the Conference of H.E. Dr. Carlos Saúl Menem, President of the Republic of Argentina.

Mr. Nitin Desai, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, conveyed a message to the Conference of the Parties from the Secretary-General of the United Nations. The Conference of the Parties was then addressed by the President of the Republic of Argentina. The address by the President of the Republic of Argentina and the message from the Secretary-General of the United Nations are reproduced in annex I below.

B. Statements by ministers and other heads of delegation of Parties at thehigh-level segment

(Agenda item 7 (b))

At the 6^th and 7^th plenary meetings, on 12 November, statements were made by 106 ministers and other heads of delegation of Parties. For the list of speakers, see annex II, section I, below.

C. Statements by observer States

(Agenda item 7 (c))

At the 5^th plenary meeting, on 11 November, statements were made by the representatives of two observer States. For the list of speakers, see annex II, section II, below.

D. Statements by intergovernmental organizations

(Agenda item 7 (d))

At the 3^rd plenary meeting, on 6 November, statements were made under this item by the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, and by representatives of the Asian Development Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank.
At the 4^th plenary meeting, on 11 November, statements were made by the Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization, the Director-General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme, the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme, the Managing Director of the World Bank, the Coordinator of Environmental Programmes of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Global Environment Facility, the Chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a member of the House of Representatives of Argentina (on behalf of the Latin American Parliament), the Executive Secretary of the Latin American Energy Organization, the Deputy Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the Executive Director of the International Energy Agency. For the list of speakers, see annex II, sections III-V, below.

E. Statements by non-governmental organizations

(Agenda item 7 (e))

At the 5^th plenary meeting, on 11 November, statements were made by representatives of 12 non-governmental organizations. For the list of speakers, see annex II, section VI, below.

VIII. OTHER MATTERS

(Agenda item 8)

At the 3^rd plenary meeting, on 6 November, the President recalled that, as indicated in the annotations to this item in document FCCC/CP/1998/1, the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity had, at its fourth session, reaffirmed the importance of mutually supportive activities under that Convention and other relevant conventions and processes, and had in particular requested its Executive Secretary to strengthen relationships with the family of Rio conventions. She believed that the Conference of the Parties should welcome the opportunity to develop joint and harmonized approaches to issues of mutual concern, with a view to making implementation activities and institutional arrangements under the Biological Diversity and Climate Change Conventions mutually supportive. A statement was made by the representative of the secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity.
. At the same meeting, on the proposal of the President, the Conference of the Parties decided that issues of mutual concern to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Convention on Biological Diversity should be taken up by the subsidiary bodies at their tenth sessions. The Chairmen of the subsidiary bodies, in consultation with the rest of the Bureau, should determine the allocation of those issues between the two subsidiary bodies.

IX. NATURAL DISASTER IN CENTRAL AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN

At the 3^rd plenary meeting, on 6 November, the President, referring to the catastrophic damage caused by Hurricane Mitch in Central America and the Caribbean, requested the representatives of the countries concerned to convey to their governments and peoples, on the part of the Government of Argentina and of all the participants in the Conference, an expression of their deepest sympathy and their solidarity with all those who had suffered so tragically in one of the worst natural disasters of recent times. The Executive Secretary, on behalf of the Convention secretariat, said that he and his colleagues wished to associate themselves with that expression of sympathy and solidarity. The representative of El Salvador, speaking on behalf of the countries concerned, thanked the Government of Argentina and all the participants in the Conference for the expression of their solidarity with the victims of the disaster and stressed the urgent need for aid from the international community to respond to their needs. On the proposal of the representative of Indonesia, speaking on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, the Conference of the Parties observed a minute's silence in tribute to the victims of the disaster.
At the 8^th plenary meeting, on 14 November, the President introduced a draft resolution expressing solidarity with Central America (FCCC/CP/1998/L.17), which she had submitted on the basis of informal consultations.
At the same meeting, the Conference of the Parties adopted resolution 1/CP.4 entitled, "Solidarity with Central America", the text of which is contained in Part Two, section II, of this report. On the adoption of this resolution, a statement was made by the representative of Nicaragua on behalf of the Central American countries.

X. CONCLUSION OF THE SESSION

(Agenda item 9)

A. Adoption of the report of the Conference of the Parties on its

fourth session

(Agenda item 9 (a))

At its 8^th plenary meeting, on 14 November, the Conference of the Parties adopted the draft report on its fourth session (FCCC/CP/1998/L.6 and Add.1), authorizing the Rapporteur, with the assistance of the secretariat, to complete the report as appropriate.

B. Closure of the session

(Agenda item 9 (b))

At the 8^th plenary meeting, on 14 November, the President introduced a draft decision (FCCC/CP/1998/L.23) entitled "Plan of Action", which she had submitted on the basis of her informal consultations. That draft decision, she indicated, was intended to convey a sense of balance between Convention and Protocol issues and of political momentum in dealing with those issues.
At the same meeting, the Conference of the Parties adopted decision 1/CP.4, the text of which is contained in Part Two, section I, of this report, and on the proposal of the representative of Austria, speaking on behalf of the European Community and its member States, the Conference of the Parties agreed that this decision should be known as "The Buenos Aires Plan of Action". Statements were made in connection with the adoption of this decision by the representatives of China, Indonesia (speaking on behalf of the Group of 77 and China), the United States of America, Slovenia (speaking on behalf of the Central and Eastern European States), Japan, Argentina, Saudi Arabia and Senegal (speaking on behalf of the African Group).
At the 8^th plenary meeting, on 14 November, the Conference of the Parties also adopted resolution 2/CP.4 entitled "Expression of gratitude to the Government of the Republic of Argentina and to the City and people of Buenos Aires" on the basis of a proposal in document FCCC/CP/1998/L.18 introduced by the representative of Mexico. For the text of this resolution, see Part Two, section II, of this report.
Closing statements were made by the Executive Secretary and the President who, after thanking all participants, declared the fourth session of the Conference of the Parties closed.

Annex I

Address by the President of the Republic of Argentina and message from

the Secretary-General of the United Nations under agenda item 7 (a)

I. Address by the President of the Republic of Argentina

The Republic of Argentina is deeply honoured to host this world meeting with representatives from all over the world and expresses through its President its warmest greetings and best wishes. The work accomplished so far demonstrates the crucial importance of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The Republic of Argentina is honoured to have signed this Convention, and the Kyoto Protocol is currently in the process of ratification in the National Congress, having already had the approval of the Senate.

As I maintained at the Earth Summit held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, our aim is to eliminate once and for all the false choice between economic growth and environmental protection. The Argentine economy has experienced an accumulative growth rate of 52 per cent since 1990, owing to the opening up and modernization of the economy and the strength of the fiscal and monetary institutions of our country. Even in the context of the international financial crisis unleashed in July 1997, Argentina has continued to grow and has permanently increased the levels of its reserves and financial deposits. The flow of direct foreign investments has also increased considerably. These investments are currently growing at a rate of approximately US$ 800 million per month, and an investment of over US$ 70 billion is expected for the period 1998 to 2002. Argentina has achieved these successes after ten years of effort, with a development process that is moving to cleaner options. During this decade, in which the economy has grown at an average annual accumulative rate of 6 per cent, the increase in per capita greenhouse gas emissions has been less than 1 per cent throughout the period.

In the next two years, Argentina will become the cleanest producer of electricity in the world. By the year 2000, base-load power generation capacity will have been converted to combined-cycle technology, with a thermal efficiency of over 55 per cent. This is the result of investments of US$ 2 billion already completed or at an advanced stage of execution. As a consequence of these changes, the average carbon intensity of thermal power generation in Argentina will be lower than in any other country in the world.

We are constantly striving to achieve the goals of economic growth and integration into the global economy, as a country concerned both with protecting the environment and remaining competitive. This is not an aspiration that has emerged purely from a sense of moral duty; we firmly believe that this is the only way to achieve sustainable growth in face of the globalization of the world economy. That is why I stress that the choice between economic growth and environmental protection is a false one, and that the only way of offering a secure prospect of sustained and integrated progress for all mankind is to link them together continually. This is our commitment to the world of today and to the future generations: we want to preserve the planet and, at the same time, offer a prospect of economic growth, progress and hope for all.

The planet is our common home and to preserve it is the responsibility of us all. We cannot ignore the warning signals that nature has given us this very year in which this Climate Change Conference is taking place. The planet, painfully, is issuing a warning call to all mankind. I must also express the deep sorrow we feel for our brothers and sisters of Central America who have been affected by terrible hurricanes and their grievous consequences. Climate catastrophes such as floods, tornadoes, droughts and forest fires that cause thousands of deaths and leave hundreds of thousands of people homeless are without doubt the responsibility of each and every country, without any distinction whatsoever. Clean development is the only path to sustainable growth under the conditions imposed today by the globalization of the world economy. I should like to point out here, unequivocally, that the agricultural subsidies of developed countries stimulate increases in carbon emissions. The systematic use of subsidies of this kind causes severe environmental damage. A strategy of clean development is the best and most effective weapon that emerging countries can use against the non-tariff-barrier protectionism of developed countries, which is the most insidious form of protectionism. We are convinced that in the years to come this is the position that the world community will adopt, without any differentiation of sectors.

At this moment in the history of mankind, with the birth of universalism in practical, political and institutional terms, it is not only the most highly developed countries that can contribute to the creation of a new world order. We emerging countries also share the responsibility of assuming our own initiatives to meet and respond to each and every challenge of the twenty-first century that is about to dawn. Argentina does not wish to make this effort outside the system. We want to establish targets within the framework of the Convention. We have not been able to do so as yet, but we shall continue to work with a view to doing so at the fifth session of the Conference of the Parties. In the meantime, we shall define our targets for achieving growth and at the same time a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. These targets will be defined with the participation of every sector of society through a broad debate at the national level, and at the next session of the Conference of the Parties we shall announce our commitment for the period 2008 to 2012.

We shall continue working to ensure that countries like the Republic of Argentina, which wish to commit themselves to their own targets, are able to participate in all the mechanisms of the system. This implies the creation of a new way forward under the Convention, which would allow countries to participate in all the mechanisms of the Convention and of the Kyoto Protocol. Argentina assumes this commitment and will honour that responsibility towards its brother nations of the world. As Lisandro de la Torre, one of the leading Argentinian politicians of the twentieth century, said: "Those who know where they are going and follow the straight path will not have to travel it alone for long."

II. Message from the Secretary-General of the United Nations⁽⁸⁾

It gives me great pleasure to convey my warmest greetings to all who have gathered from around the world to continue this historic process. I would like first to express my gratitude to His Excellency President Carlos Menem and the people of Argentina for hosting this conference, which demonstrates yet again their abiding commitment to the United Nations and to human well-being in general. I would also like to salute all the other Heads of State or Government, distinguished delegates, colleagues from the United Nations system and other participants for coming together, in a spirit of partnership, to continue to this vital work, which means so much to the world's people.

Your adoption of the Kyoto Protocol at last year's Conference of the Parties was a landmark event. By agreeing to legally binding targets for emissions, you confirmed your commitment to sustainable development. This is an impressive achievement, and you are to be congratulated for the hard work and political courage that made it possible.

The Kyoto Protocol is the most far-reaching agreement on environment and sustainable development ever adopted. Drawing on the best available science, and on new concepts in international law and diplomacy such as the precautionary principle, the Protocol offers a new, more sustainable path for industrial economies. Its adoption demonstrates just how far the community of nations has come in accepting responsibility for its shared stewardship of the earth. The next step is to translate this written agreement into reality by signing and ratifying it quickly, so that it enters into force within two or three years.

Here in Buenos Aires, you have launched the post-Kyoto process, a process as significant and challenging as those that produced the Protocol and Convention. Our destination may be agreed, but now you must determine the best way to get us there.

We need to ensure that emission reductions are cost-effective while ensuring that domestic action remains paramount. We must also figure out the best way to transfer climate-friendly technologies to developing countries.

We need much more scientific research, data collection, training and public outreach. And we need to expand and strengthen the Convention's mechanisms for sharing information and reporting on national actions and programmes.

We all know that, despite the agreement at Kyoto, countries still hold differing perspectives on the way forward. I am confident that the political will exists to find common ground and move forward. But just as the Earth Summit set a compelling deadline for the adoption of the Convention, and the Berlin Mandate set a time limit for finalizing the Protocol, so too there must now be a convincing new time-frame for keeping the process on track over the next two or three years. The Kyoto Protocol must start operating as quickly as possible.

Deadlines not only concentrate the minds of governments, they also give essential signals to civil society; If consumers are convinced that the rules of the game are about to change, they will start taking the myriad small decisions that, when added together, can have a major impact on emissions.

Convincing evidence of governments' commitment to move forward quickly will also help to unleash the floodgates of industrial creativity. Experience shows that business responds rapidly and positively to incentives and pressures, from the globalization of markets to financial volatility or unexpected technological revolutions. Indeed, I am convinced that the business sector will develop climate-friendly technologies and services faster than many now believe possible.

The United Nations system will continue to contribute to the economic transformation implied by efforts to reduce greenhouse gases. The Convention secretariat that supports your deliberations and decisions has proven itself an effective partner. The United Nations Environment Programme and the World Meteorological Organization started us on this road back in 1988 by creating the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change; they too will continue to provide the support you need.

The United Nations Development Programme is working at the national level to help countries move towards sustainable energy, forestry and agricultural systems. The Global Environment Facility and the World Bank channel financial support to essential projects. UNITAR provides technical training UNIDO industrial expertise and UNCTAD new ideas on emissions trading. The diversity of mandates and expertise of these and other United Nations bodies will remain at your service, and I invite you to provide the necessary guidance to their activities.

We must not underestimate the high stakes of this meeting. The global response to climate change has been impressive but is still in its infancy. Many challenges lie ahead, and success here in Buenos Aires will also contribute to our efforts to protect biodiversity, combat desertification, preserve the ozone layer and alleviate poverty. In that hopeful spirit, I wish you great success with these international deliberations and with your efforts back home in your own countries.

Annex II

General statements made under agenda item 7 (b), (c), (d) and (e):

list of speakers

I. Parties to the Convention

(Agenda item 7 (b))

Plenary

meeting

Algeria Mr. Sid Ali Ramdane 7
Director, Ministry of the Interior, Local Government and the Environment

Argentina Mr. Guido Di Tella 6
Minister for Foreign Affairs

Armenia Mr. Sargis Shahazizian 7
Minister of Nature Protection

Australia Mr. Robert Hill 7
Minister for the Environment and Heritage

Austria⁽⁹⁾ Mr. Martin Bartenstein 6
Federal Minister for the Environment, Youth and Family Affairs

Bangladesh Mr. Syed Murghub Murshed 7
Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forest

Benin Mr. Adékpédjou S. Akindes 7
Minister for the Environment, Housing And Urban Planning

Bhutan Mr. Nado Rinchen 7
Deputy Minister for Environment

Bolivia Mr. Erick Reyes Villa Bacigalupi 7
Minister of Sustainable Development and Planning

Plenary

meeting

Botswana Mr. Boometswe Mokgothu 7
Assistant Minister of Local Government, Lands and Housing

Brazil Mr. José Israel Vargas 6
Minister for Science and Technology

Burundi Mr. Jean Pacifique Nsengiyumva 7
Minister of Physical Planning and Environment

Canada Ms. Christine Stewart 7
Minister of the Environment

Chile Mr. John Biehl 6
Minister, Secretary General, Office of the Presidency

China Mr. Liu Jiang 7
Minister and Vice-Chairman of the State Development and Planning Commission

Colombia Mr. Juan Mayr 7
Minister of the Environment

Comoros Mr. Mahamoud Ahmed Abdallah 7
Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Resources and the Environment

Costa Rica⁽¹⁰⁾ Mr. Carlos Manuel Rodríguez-Echandi 6
Minister a.i. for the Environment and Energy

Côte d'Ivoire Mr. Jean Claude Kouassi 7
Minister for the Environment and Forestry

Croatia Ms. Ljerka Mintas Hodak 7
Deputy Prime Minister

Plenary

meeting

Cuba Mr. Ricardo Sanchez 7
Vice Minister of Science

Cyprus Mr. Costas Themistocleous 7
Minister of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment

Czech Republic Mr. Miloš Kuzvart 7
Minister of the Environment

Denmark Mr. Svend Auken 6
Minister for Environment and Energy

Djibouti Mr. Osman Robleh Daach 7
Minister for the Environment, Tourism and Handicrafts

Ecuador Ms. Yolanda Kakabadse 7
Minister of the Environment

Egypt Ms. Nadia Makram Ebeid 6
Minister of State for Environment

Estonia Mr. Villu Reiljan 7
Minister of the Environment

Ethiopia Mr. Shiferaw Jarso 7
Minister of Water Resources

European Community Ms. Ritt Bjerregaard 6
Commissioner for Environment, Nuclear Safety and Civil Protection

Finland Mr. Pekka Haavisto 7
Minister of the Environment

France Ms. Dominique Voynet 6
Minister of Physical Planning and the Environment

Plenary

meeting

Gambia Captain Edward Singhatey 7
Secretary of State for Presidential Affairs, Fisheries and Natural Resources

Germany Mr. Jürgen Trittin 7
Federal Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety

Ghana Mr. J.E. Afful 6
Minister of Environment, Science and Technology

Greece Mr. Theodoros Koliopanos 7
Deputy Minister for the Environment, Physical Planning and Public Works

Guyana Mr. Doorga Persaud 7
Head, Guyana Natural Resources Agency

Hungary Mr. Pál Pepó 7
Minister for the Environment

Iceland Mr. Gudmundur Bjarnason 7
Minister for the Environment

India Mr. Suresh P. Prabhu 7
Minister of Environment and Forests

Indonesia⁽¹¹⁾ Mr. Panangian Siregar 6
Minister of State for Environmental Affairs

Iran (Islamic Republic of) Mr. Taghi Ebtekar 7
Adviser to the President on Technological Affairs

Ireland Mr. Noel Dempsey 7
Minister for the Environment and Local Government

Plenary

meeting

Italy Mr. Edo Ronchi 7
Minister of Environment

Japan Mr. Kenji Manabe 7
Minister of State, Director-General of the Environment Agency

Kazakhstan Mr. Serikbek Daukeev 7
Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources

Kenya Mr. Francis Nyenze 7
Minister for Environmental Conservation

Kiribati Mr. Tewareka Borau 7
Minister of Environment and Social Development

Kuwait Mr. Abbas Naqi 7
Assistant Undersecretary, Ministry of Oil

Lao People's Mr. Noulinh Sinbandhit 7
Democratic Republic Vice Minister, Prime Minister's Office

Latvia Mr. Indulis Emsis 7
State Minister for Environment

Lebanon Mr. Riad Kantar 7
Ambassador of Lebanon to Argentina

Lithuania Mr. Algis Caplikas 7
Minister of the Environment

Malaysia Mr. Dennis Ignatius 7
Ambassador of Malaysia to Argentina

Maldives Mr. Ismail Shafeeu 7
Minister of Home Affairs, Housing and Environment

Mali Mr. Ali Sankere 7
Chef de Cabinet Ministry of the Environment

Plenary

meeting

Mexico Ms. Julia Carabias Lillo 7
Secretary, Environment, Natural Resources and Fisheries

Micronesia (Federated Mr. Leo A. Falcam 6
States of) Vice President

Monaco Mr. Frédéric Platini 7
Administrator of Environment Service

Morocco Mr. Ahmed El Yazghi 7
Minister of Physical Planning, Urban Planning and Housing

Myanmar Mr. U Kyaw Tint Swe 7
Secretary, National Commission for Environmental Affairs

Nepal Mr. Ambika Sanba 7
Minister for Population and Environment

Netherlands Mr. Jan Pronk 7
Minister for Housing, Spatial Planning and Environment

New Zealand Mr. Simon Upton 6
Minister for the Environment and Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Niger Mr. Kimba Hassane 7
Adviser, Executive Secretariat, National Council on the Environment for Sustainable Development

Nigeria Mr. Dapo Afolabi 7
Director, Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement, Federal Environmental Protection Agency

Norway Ms. Guro Fjellanger 7
Minister of the Environment

Plenary

meeting

Oman Sheikh Ahmed Mubarak Mustahail Shamas 7
Undersecretary of Environmental Affairs, Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Environment

Pakistan Mr. Mohammad Zubair Kidwai 7
Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Local Government and Rural Development

Papua New Guinea Mr. Max Rai 7
Director-General, Multilateral Division, Department of Foreign Affairs

Philippines Mr. Teodoro B. Pison 7
Undersecretary for Legal and Legislative Affairs, Department of Environment and Natural Resources

Paraguay Mr. Menandro Grisetti 7
Vice Minister for Natural Resources and the Environment

Peru Mr. Gonzalo Galdos 7
President, National Environment Council

Poland Mr. Jan Szyszko 7
Minister of Environmental Protection, Natural Resources and Forestry

Portugal Mr. José Guerreiro da Silva 7
Secretary of State for Environment

Qatar Mr. Ali Bin Saeed Al-Khayreen 7
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Agriculture and Chairman of Environmental Affairs Committee

Republic of Korea Mr. Jae-Wook Choi 7
Minister of Environment

Republic of Moldova Mr. Valentin Bobeica 7
Vice Minister, Ministry of Environment

Plenary

meeting

Russian Federation Mr. Alexander I. Bedritsky 6
Head of the Russian Federal Service for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring

Samoa⁽¹²⁾ Mr. Tuiloma Neroni Slade 6
Ambassador, Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of the Independent State of Samoa to the United Nations

Saudi Arabia Mr. Ali Al-Noammi 7
Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources

Senegal Mr. Mbareck Diop 7
Technical Advicer, Office of the President of the Republic

Seychelles Mr. James Michel 6
Vice President and Minister of Environment

Singapore Mr. Tan Teng Huat 7
Director, Environmental Management and Policy Division, Ministry of the Environment

Slovenia Mr. Pavel Gantar 6
Minister of the Environment and Regional Planning

Solomon Islands Mr. Patterson Oti, MP 7
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Relations

South Africa Mr. Peter Mokaba 7
Deputy Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism

Spain Ms. Isabel Tocino Biscarolasaga 6
Minister for the Environment

Plenary

meeting

Sri Lanka Ms. Rupa Wickramarante 7
National Coordinator of Climate Change

Sudan Mr. Sayed Mohamed Tahir Aila 7
Minister of Environment and Tourism

Sweden Mr. Kjell Larsson 7
Minister of the Environment

Switzerland Mr. Philippe Roch 7
Director, State Secretary, Federal Department of Transport, Communication and Energy

Syrian Arab Republic Mr. Abdul Hamid El-Monajed 6
Minister of State for Environment

Thailand Mr. Suwit Khunkitti 6
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science, Technology and Environment

Trinidad and Tobago⁽¹³⁾ Mr. Vincent Lasse 7
Minister of Planning and Development with responsibility for the Environment

Tunisia Mr. Noureddine Ben Aissa 7
Director of Industrial Environment, Ministry of Environment and Land Use Planning

Turkmenistan Mr. Pirdjan Kurbanov 7
Minister of Natural Resource Use and Environment Protection

Tuvalu⁽¹⁴⁾ Mr. Bikenibeu Paeniu 6
Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs

Plenary

meeting

Uganda Mr. Henry Muganwa Kajura 7
Minister for Water, Lands and Environment

Ukraine Mr. Volodymyr Bratishko 7
First Deputy Minister, Ministry for Environmental Protection and Nuclear Safety

United Republic Mr. E. Lowassa 7
of Tanzania Minister of State in the Vice President's Office

United Kingdom of Mr. John Prescott, MP 6
Great Britain and Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State Northern Ireland for the Environment, Transport and the Regions

United States of America Mr. Stuart E. Eizenstat 6
Under-Secretary of State for Economic, Business and Agricultural Affairs

Uruguay Mr. Luis Santos 7
National Director for the Environment, Ministry of Housing, Physical Planning and the Environment

Venezuela Mr. Edwin José Arrieta 7
Minister of Energy and Mines

Viet Nam Mr. Nguyen Cong Thanh 7
Acting Director General of the Hydrometeorological Service

Zambia Mr. Alfeyo Hambayi, MP 7
Minister of Environment and Natural Resources

Zimbabwe Mr. Simon Khaya Moyo 7
Minister of Mines, Environment and Tourism

II. Observer States

(Agenda item 7 (c))

Plenary

meeting

Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Mr. Abdulla El-Badri, Secretary of the General 5
People's Committee for Energy

Turkey Ms. Imren Aykut 5
Minister of the Environment

III. United Nations offices and programmes

(Agenda item 7 (d))

United Nations Mr. James G. Speth 4
Development Programme Administrator

United Nations Mr. Klaus Töpfer 4
Environment Programme Executive Director

Convention to Combat Mr. Hama Arba Diallo 3
Desertification Executive Secretary

IV. Specialized agencies and other organizations of the United Nations system

(Agenda item 7 (d))

United Nations Educational, Mr. Gisbert Glaser 4
Scientific, and Cultural Assistant Director-General, Bureau for Organization Coordination of Environmental Programmes

World Bank Mr. Caio Koch-Weser 4
Managing Director

Global Environment Facility Mr. Mohamed T. El-Ashry 4
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman

World Meteorological Prof. G.O.P. Obasi 4
Organization Secretary-General

Plenary

meeting

Intergovernmental Panel on Mr. Robert Watson 4
Climate Change Chairman

United Nations Mr. Carlos Magariños 4
Industrial Development Director-General Organization

V. Intergovernmental organizations

(Agenda item 7 (d))

Asian Development Mr. Prodipto Ghosh 3
Bank Senior Environmental Specialist

European Bank for Mr. William V. Kennedy 3
Reconstruction and Senior Environmental Specialist Development

Inter-American Mr. Walter W. Arensberg 3
Development Bank Chief, Environment Bank, Department of Sustainable Development

International Energy Mr. Robert Priddle 4
Agency Executive Director

Latin American Mr. Luis A.M. da Fonseca 4
Energy Organization Executive Secretary

Latin American Ms. Mabel Muller 4
Parliament Member of the House of Representatives of Argentina

Organisation for Economic Mr. Thorvald Moe 4
Co-operation and Deputy Secretary-General Development

VI. Non-governmental organizations

(Agenda item 7 (e))

Plenary

meeting

Climate Action Network - Ms. Lavinia Andrei 5
Europe Climate Action Network Central and Eastern Europe

Climate Action Network - Mr. Roque Pedace 5
Latin America Coordinator, Friends of the Earth - Argentina

European Business Council Mr. Paul Metz 5
for a Sustainable Energy Executive Director Future⁽¹⁵⁾

Foro del Buen Ayre Mr. Alberto Ford 5
Co-ordinator

Franciscans International Brother Ignacio Harding, OFM 5
Co-Director

Global Legislators Mr. Tom Spencer, MEP 5
Organisation for a President Balanced Environment

International Chamber Mr. Clement B. Malin 5
of Commerce Vice-President, International Relations

International Confederation Mr. Luis Anderson 5
of Free Trade Unions

International Council on Mr. Edward Maduranga 5
Local Environment Deputy Mayor, Harare, Zimbabwe Initiatives⁽¹⁶⁾

Klima-Bündnis/Alianza Mr. José Luis González 5
del Clima President

Plenary

meeting

The World Conservation Mr. Fernando Ardura 5
Union (IUCN) Vice-President, IUCN - Argentina

World Business Council for Mr. Egil Myklebust 5
Sustainable Development President and Chief Executive Officer of Norsk Hydro, Norway

Annex III

List of intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations attending the fourth session of the Conference of the Parties

I. Intergovernmental organizations

Agence de Coopération Culturelle et Technique
Asian Development Bank
Caribbean Community Secretariat
Comisíon Centroamericana de Ambiente y Desarrollo
Comisíon Permanente del Pacifico Sur
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
Inter-American Development Bank
International Energy Agency
International Institute of Refrigeration
International Organization for Migration
Latin-American Energy Organization
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
Organization of American States
Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries
Parlamento Latinoamericano
South Pacific Regional Environment Programme

II. Non-governmental organizations

African Centre for Technology Studies
Agence de Coopération Culturelle et Technique
Air Transport Association of America
Alliance Internationale de Tourisme
Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy
Alliance for Responsible Environmental Alternatives
Ambiente
American Portland Cement Alliance
American Nuclear Society
Asian Institute of Technology
Asociación CONCIENCIA
Asociación Argentina de Tecnología Nuclear
Association Française du Froid/Alliance Froid, Climatisation, Environnement
Australian Conservation Foundation
Battelle Memorial Institute
Bellerive Foundation
Birdlife International
Business Council of Australia
Business Council for Sustainable Development - Latin America
Canadian Electricity Association
Canadian Nuclear Association
Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association
Carl Duisberg Society
CEDARENA (Environmental and Natural Resources Law Centre)
Center for Clean Air Policy
Center for Energy Policy
Center for Environmental Information, Inc.
Center for International and European Environmental Research (ecologic)
Center for International Climate and Environmental Research
Center for International Environmental Law
Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry
Centre for European Economic Research
Centre for Science and Environment
Centre for Business and the Environment
Centro de Estudios Ambientales Para la Planificación y el Desarrollo
Centro de Proteccion a la Naturaleza
Citizens Alliance for Saving the Atmosphere and Earth
Climate Action Network - Latin America
Climate Action Network - United Kingdom
Climate Action Network - Europe
Climate Action Network-Southeast Asia
Climate Institute
Climate Network Africa
Columbia Earth Institute/Columbia University
Committee for A Constructive Tomorrow
Competitive Enterprise Institute
Confederación Sindical de Comisiones Obreras
Control Officials
Council of German Forest Owners Associations
Counterpart International
Development Alternatives
E & Co (An Energy Investment Service)
Earth Council
Earth Science and Technology Organization
Edison Electric Institute
Electric Power Research Institute
Emissions Marketing Association
Environmental Development Action in the Third World
Environmental Defense Fund
European Atomic Forum
European Environmental Bureau
European Federation For Transport and Environment
European Nuclear Society
European Round Table of Industrialists
European Wind Energy Association
European Business Council for a Sustainable Energy Future
FACE Foundation (Forests Absorbing Carbondioxide Emisson)
Federal Association of the German Industry
Fonds E7 pour le Developpement Energétique Durable
Foro del Buen Ayre⁽¹⁷⁾
Foundation Joint Implementation Network
Foundation for International Environmental Law and Development
Franciscans International
Fraunhofer Society/Institute for Systems and Innovation Research
Free University Berlin
Friends of the Earth International
Fundación Bariloche
Fundación Biosfera
Fundación Jorge Esteban Roulet, Instituto de Estudios e Investigaciones Sobre el Medio
Fundación Agreste Punto Verde
Fundación Ambiente y Recursos Naturales
German NGO-Forum on Environment & Development
German Advisory Council on Global Change
Germanwatch
Global Commons Institute
Global Climate Coalition
Global Environment Forum-Kansai
Global Environment Forum/Institute for International Studies
Global Environmental Forum
Global Industrial and Social Progress Research Institute
Global Legislators Organisation for a Balanced Environment
Global Network Class
Greenpeace International
Guinea Ecology
Hadley Centre for Climate Prediction and Research
Hamburg Institute for Economic Research
Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research
Industrial Technology Research Institute
Information Agency of the German Power Plants
Institut de recherche sur l'environnement
Institute for Environmental Studies, Free University Amsterdam
Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation, University of California
Instituto Argentino de Normalizacion
International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development
International Chamber of Commerce
International Climate Change Partnership
International Confederation of Free Trade Unions
International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives
International Federation of Industrial Energy Consumers
International Academy of the Environment
International Gas Union
International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis
International Institute for Energy Conservation
International Lake Environment Committee Foundation
International Network for Sustainable Energy
International Organization for Standardization
International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association
International Primary Aluminium Institute
International Society of Doctors for the Environment
International Solar Energy Society
International Union of Producers and Distributors of Electrical Energy
International Union of Public Transport
IWMC World Conservation Trust
Japan Federation of Economic Organizations (Keidanren)
Japan Flon Gas Association
Japan Atomic Industrial Forum Inc.
Kiko Network
Klima-Bündnis/Alianza del Clima e.V.
Korean Federation for Environmental Movement
Lloyd's Register of Shipping
Loss Prevention Council
Massachusetts Intitute of Technology/The Global System for Sustainable Development
National Association of State Fire Marshals
National Mining Association
National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners
Natural Resources Defense Council
Natural Resource Users' Group
Naturales
Netherlands Committee for IUCN
New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization
Nuclear Energy Institute
Öko-Institut (Institute for Applied Ecology)
Organisation internationale des constructeurs d'automobiles
Ozone Action
Peoples' Forum 2001, Japan
Pollution Probe
Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research
Prima Klima - weltweit - e.V.
RainForest ReGeneration Institute
Research for Man and Environment
Réseau Action Climat France
Resources for the Future
Rockefeller Foundation
Sociedad Rural Argentina
Sociedad Argentino Para el Derecho y la Administración del Ambiente y de los Recursos Solar Electric Light Fund
Sovereignty International
State and Territorial Air Pollution Program Administrators/Association of Local Air Pollution
Stockholm Environment Institute
Tata Energy Research Institute
Tellus Institute
The Center for Sustainable Development in the Americas
The Business Council for Sustainable Energy
The Climate Council
The David Suzuki Foundation
The European Association for the Promotion of Cogeneration
The Federation of Electric Power Companies
The Fridtjof Nansen Institute
The Institute for Global Environmental Strategies
The Institute of Cultural Affairs
The Interstate Natural Gas Association of America
The Japan Electrical Manufacturers' Association
The Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry
The National Center for Public Policy Research
The Nature Conservancy
The Pacific Rim Consortium for Energy Combustion and the Environment
The Pew Center on Global Climate Change
The Royal Institute of International Affairs
The Science and Environmental Policy Project
The Uranium Institute
The World Conservation Union
Union of Concerned Scientists
Union of Industrial and Employers' Confederations of Europe
Unión Industrial Argentina
United Mine Workers of America
University of Keele - Department of International Relations
University of South Africa/Energy and Development Research Centre
University of Washington
US Climate Action Network
Verification Technology Information Centre
Vitae Civilis - Institute for Development, Environment and Peace
Woods Hole Research Center
World Energy Council
World Coal Institute
World Conference on Religion and Peace
World Council of Churches
World Council of Nuclear Workers
World Business Council for Sustainable Development
World Resources Institute
World Watch Institute
Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy
WWF International

Annex IV

List of documents before the Conference of the Parties at its fourth session

FCCC/CP/1996/2 Adoption of the rules of procedure

FCCC/CP/1998/1 Provisional agenda and annotations. Note by and Add.1 the Executive Secretary

FCCC/CP/1998/2 Activities implemented jointly: review of progress under the pilot phase (decision 5/CP.1). Second synthesis report on activities implemented jointly

FCCC/CP/1998/3 Matters related to decision 1/CP.3, paragraph 6: Preparations for the first session of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Protocol. Note by the Chairmen of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice and the Subsidiary Body for Implementation

FCCC/CP/1998/4 National communications from Parties included in Annex I to the Convention. Interim assessment of the in-depth reviews

FCCC/CP/1998/5 Approach to comparison of data on greenhouse gas emissions

FCCC/CP/1998/6 Progress report on transfer of technology: draft work programme

FCCC/CP/1998/7 Report on the development of the observational networks of the climate system

FCCC/CP/1998/8 Administrative and financial matters. Note by the and Add.1 Executive Secretary

FCCC/CP/1998/9 Audited financial statements for the biennium 1996-1997: report of the United Nations Board of Auditors

FCCC/CP/1998/10 Audit reports: executive summaries and report on implementation by the secretariat. Note by the Executive Secretary

FCCC/CP/1998/11 National communications from Parties included in

and Add.1 and 2 Annex I to the Convention. Second compilation and synthesis of second national communications

FCCC/CP/1998/12 Financial mechanism. Report of the Global and Add.1 Environment Facility to the Conference of the Parties at its fourth session

FCCC/CP/1998/13 Review of information and possible decisions under Article 4.2(f) of the Convention

FCCC/CP/1998/14 Admission of observers: intergovernmental and
and Add.1 non-governmental organizations

FCCC/CP/1998/15 Agenda

FCCC/CP/1998/INF.1 Administrative and financial matters. Audit report by the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services

FCCC/CP/1998/INF.2 Initial national communications from Parties not included in Annex I to the Convention. Secretariat activities to facilitate the provision of financial and technical support. Progress report by the secretariat

FCCC/CP/1998/INF.3 Activities implemented jointly: review of progress under the pilot phase (decision 5/CP.1). Update on activities implemented jointly

FCCC/CP/1998/INF.4 Matters related to decision 1/CP.3, paragraph 5. Report on the initial SBSTA workshop on land-use, land-use change and forestry related to the Kyoto Protocol

FCCC/CP/1998/INF.5 Status of ratification of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol

FCCC/CP/1998/INF.6 Status report on receipt of contributions from Parties

FCCC/CP/1998//INF.8 List of participants

FCCC/CP/1998/INF.9 National communications from Parties included in Annex I to the Convention. Summary compilation of annual greenhouse gas emissions inventory data from Annex I Parties

FCCC/CP/1998/MISC.1 Matters related to decision 1/CP.3, paragraph 5.
and Add.1 and 2. Land-use change and forestry. Submissions by Parties

FCCC/CP/1998/MISC.2 Comprehensive report on the development of the observational networks of the climate system

FCCC/CP/1998/MISC.3 Comments by Parties on the financial mechanism

FCCC/CP/1998/MISC.4 Financial mechanism. Information on relevant action by the Global Environment Facility

FCCC/CP/1998/MISC.5 Development and transfer of technologies and Add.1 - 3 (decision 13/CP.1). Submissions by Parties

FCCC/CP/1998/MISC.6 Second review of the adequacy of Article 4.2(a)
and Add.1, Add.2/Rev.1 and (b). Compilation of submissions by Parties and Add.3

FCCC/CP/1998/MISC.7 Matters related to decision 1/CP.3, paragraph 5.
and Add.1 - 4 Article 6 of the Kyoto Protocol. Article 12 of the Kyoto Protocol. Article 17 of the Kyoto Protocol. Activities implemented jointly. Compilation of submissions by Parties

FCCC/CP/1998/MISC.8 National communications from Parties included in Annex I to the Convention. Views on subsequent national communications by Annex I Parties

FCCC/CP/1998/MISC.9 Matters related to decision 1/CP.3, paragraph 5.
and Add.1 and 2 Land-use change and forestry. Submissions by Parties

FCCC/CP/1998/MISC.10 Provisional list of participants

FCCC/CP/1998/MISC.11 Matters related to decision 1/CP.3, paragraph 5. Impact of single projects on emissions in the commitment period

FCCC/CP/1998/L.1/Rev.1 Participation in contact groups

FCCC/CP/1998/L.2 Review of information and possible decisions under Article 4.2(f)

FCCC/CP/1998/L.3 Multilateral consultative process

FCCC/CP/1998/L.4 Research and systematic observation (Articles 4.1(g) and 5 of the Convention): recommendation of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice

FCCC/CP/1998/L.5 Land-use change and forestry: recommendation of the Subsidiary Body for Technological and Scientific Advice

FCCC/CP/1998/L.6 Draft report of the Conference of the Parties on its and Add.1 fourth session

FCCC/CP/1998/L.7 Report of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice: recommendation of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice

FCCC/CP/1998/L.8 Impact of single projects on emissions in the commitment period: recommendation of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice

FCCC/CP/1998/L.9 Implementation of Article 4, paragraphs 8 and 9, of the Convention (decision 3/CP.3 and Articles 2.3 and 3.14 of the Kyoto Protocol)

FCCC/CP/1998/L.10 National communications from Parties included in Annex I to the Convention

FCCC/CP/1998/L.11 Initial national communications from Parties not included in Annex I to the Convention

FCCC/CP/1998/L.12 Second review of the adequacy of Article 4.2(a) and (b)

FCCC/CP/1998/L.13 Administrative and financial matters: recommendation of the Subsidiary Body for Implementation

FCCC/CP/1998/L.14 Calendar of meetings of Convention bodies 2000-2001

FCCC/CP/1998/L.15 Financial mechanism

FCCC/CP/1998/L.16 Development and transfer of technologies (decision 13/CP.1): recommendation of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice

FCCC/CP/1998/L.17 Solidarity with Central America: draft resolution submitted by the President

FCCC/CP/1998/L.18 Expression of gratitude to the Government and people of the Republic of Argentina: draft resolution submitted by Mexico

FCCC/CP/1998/L.19 Matters related to decision 1/CP.3, paragraph 6: preparations for the first session of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Protocol

FCCC/CP/1998/L.20 Activities implemented jointly: review of progress under the pilot phase (decision 5/CP.1)

FCCC/CP/1998/L.21 Matters related to decision 1/CP.3, paragraph 5: Article 6 of the Kyoto Protocol, Article 12 of the Kyoto Protocol, Article 17 of the Kyoto Protocol

FCCC/CP/1998/L.22 Financial mechanisms: draft decisions proposed by the President of the Conference

FCCC/CP/1998/L.23 Plan of Action: draft decision proposed by the President of the Conference

FCCC/CP/1998/CRP.1 UNFCCC Workshop on emission factors and activity data

FCCC/CP/1998/CRP.2 Activities implemented jointly: review of progress under the pilot phase (decision 5/CP.1): joint recommendation of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice and the Subsidiary Body for Implementation

FCCC/CP/1998/CRP.3 Matters related to decision 1/CP.3, paragraph 5: Article 6 of the Kyoto Protocol, Article 12 of the Kyoto Protocol, Article 17 of the Kyoto Protocol: draft decision by the Chairmen of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice and the Subsidiary Body for Implementation and draft proposal by the co-chairs of the contact group on mechanisms

FCCC/CP/1998/CRP.4 Matters related to decision 1/CP.3, paragraph 6: preparations for the first session of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Protocol

FCCC/CP/1998/CRP.5 Matters related to the Kyoto Protocol: draft decision proposed by Mauritania

FCCC/SB/1998/MISC.1 Preparatory work needed for the fourth session of and Add.1/Rev.1; Add.2; the Conference of the Parties on the items listed in Add.3/Rev.1 and Add.4-6 decision 1/CP.3, paragraph 5. Submissions by Parties

FCCC/SBSTA/1998/6 Report of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice on its eighth session, Bonn, 2-12 June 1998

FCCC/SBSTA/1998/INF.1 Methodological issues. Issues related to land-use change and forestry

FCCC/SBSTA/1998/CRP.1 Development and transfer of technologies. Draft decisions for the fourth session of the Conference of the Parties proposed by the Group of 77 and China

FCCC/SBI/1998/6 Report of the Subsidiary Body for Implementation on its eighth session, Bonn, 2-12 June 1998

FCCC/SBI/1998/MISC.4 Proposals on financial mechanism. Submission by the Group of 77 and China

FCCC/SBI/1998/MISC.4/Add.1/Rev.1 Proposals on financial mechanism. Submission by the European Community and its member States

FCCC/AG13/1998/2 Report of the Ad Hoc Group on Article 13 on its sixth session, Bonn, 5-11 June 1998

FCCC/AGBM/1997/MISC.1/Add.3 Implementation of the Berlin Mandate. Proposals from Parties

FCCC/TP/1998/1 Technical paper on terms of transfer of technology and know-how. Barriers and opportunities related to the transfer of technology

- - - - -

1. Part Two of this report is contained in document FCCC/CP/1998/16/Add.1.

2. The agenda, as adopted, was circulated under the symbol FCCC/CP/1998/15.

3. FCCC/SBSTA/1998/6.

4. FCCC/CP/1998/L.16, L.4, L.5 and L.8, respectively.

5. FCCC/SBI/1998/6.

6. FCCC/CP/1998/L.14, L.10, L.11, L.15, L.12, L.9 and L.13, respectively.

7. See FCCC/SBSTA/1998/9, para. 29.

8. Delivered on his behalf by Mr. Nitin Desai, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs.

9. Speaking also on behalf of the European Union and its member States.

10. Speaking also on behalf of the Central American States of Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama.

11. Speaking also on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.

12. Speaking also on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island States.

13. Speaking also on behalf of the Caribbean Community.

14. Speaking also on behalf of Cook Islands, Marshall Islands, Nauru, and Niue.

15. Also speaking on behalf of the Business Council for Sustainable Energy.

16. In collaboration with Mr. Juan Walsh, Argentine Mayors Environmental Forum.

17. Admitted as an observer, on the understanding that it would be requested to reapply if it wished to continue to follow the work of the Convention after the fourth session of the Conference of the Parties.

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REPORT OF THE CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES ON ITS FOURTH SESSION, HELD AT BUENOS AIRES FROM 2 TO 14 NOVEMBER 1998

CONTENTS

PART ONE: PROCEEDINGS

Annexes

PART TWO: ACTION TAKEN BY THE CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES AT ITS FOURTH SESSION(1)

I. OPENING OF THE SESSION

A. Statement by the President of the Conference at its third session

B. Election of the President of the Conference at its fourth session

C. Statement by the President

D. Addresses of welcome

E. Statement by the Executive Secretary

F. Other statements

II. ORGANIZATIONAL MATTERS

A. Status of ratification of the Convention and the Kyoto Protocol

B. Adoption of the rules of procedure

C. Adoption of the agenda

D. Election of officers other than the President

E. Admission of organizations as observers

F. Organization of work, including the sessions of the subsidiary bodies

G. Participation in contact groups

H. Calendar of meetings of Convention bodies 2000-2001

I. Date and venue of the fifth session of the Conference of the Parties

J. Adoption of the report on credentials

K. Attendance

L. Documentation

III.REPORTS OF SUBSIDIARY BODIES

A. Report of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice

B. Report of the Subsidiary Body for Implementation

C. Report of the Ad Hoc Group on Article 13

IV. REVIEW OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMMITMENTS AND OF OTHER PROVISIONS OF THE CONVENTION

A. Information communicated under Article 12

1. National communications from Parties included in Annex I to the Convention

2. Initial national communications from Parties not included in Annex I to the Convention

B. Financial mechanism

1. Report of the Global Environment Facility to the Conference

2. Review process referred to in decision 9/CP.1

C. Development and transfer of technologies (decision 13/CP.1

D. Second review of the adequacy of Article 4.2(a) and (b)

E. Implementation of Article 4.8 and 4.9 of the Convention (decision 3/CP.3 and Articles 2.3 and 3.14 of the Kyoto Protocol)

F. Activities implemented jointly: review of progress under the pilot phase (decision 5/CP.1)

G. Review of information and possible decisions under Article 4.2(f)

H. Other matters relating to implementation

1. Research and systematic observation (Articles 4.1(g) and 5 of the Convention)

2. Scientific and methodological aspects of the proposal by Brazil

V. MATTERS RELATED TO THE KYOTO PROTOCOL

A. Matters related to decision 1/CP.3, paragraph 5

1. Land-use change and forestry

2. Articles 6, 12 and 17 of the Kyoto Protocol

3. Impact of single projects on emissions in the commitment period

B. Matters related to decision 1/CP.3, paragraph 6: preparations for the first session of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Protocol

VI. ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCIAL MATTERS

VII. GENERAL STATEMENTS

A. Addresses at the Presidential ceremony

B. Statements by ministers and other heads of delegation of Parties at thehigh-level segment

C. Statements by observer States

D. Statements by intergovernmental organizations

E. Statements by non-governmental organizations

VIII. OTHER MATTERS

IX. NATURAL DISASTER IN CENTRAL AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN

X. CONCLUSION OF THE SESSION

A. Adoption of the report of the Conference of the Parties on itsfourth session

B. Closure of the session

Annex I

I. Address by the President of the Republic of Argentina

II. Message from the Secretary-General of the United Nations(8)

Annex II

I. Parties to the Convention

II. Observer States

III. United Nations offices and programmes

IV. Specialized agencies and other organizations of the United Nations system

V. Intergovernmental organizations

VI. Non-governmental organizations

Annex III

I. Intergovernmental organizations

II. Non-governmental organizations

Annex IV

PART TWO: ACTION TAKEN BY THE CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES AT ITS FOURTH SESSION⁽¹⁾

F. Activities implemented jointly: review of progress under the pilot phase
(decision 5/CP.1)

A. Adoption of the report of the Conference of the Parties on its

fourth session

II. Message from the Secretary-General of the United Nations⁽⁸⁾