[asia-apec 580] Re: 1669 POLITICS: 29th South Pacific Forum communique

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From: David Robie <robie_d at usp.ac.fj>
Subject: 1669 POLITICS: 29th South Pacific Forum communique
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Title -- 1669 POLITICS: 29th South Pacific Forum communique =

Date -- 26 August 1998
Byline --  None
Origin -- <A HREF=3D"mailto:niusedita at pactok.net.au">Pasifik Nius</A>
Source -- Taholo Kami, www.sidsnet.org, 26/8/98
Status -- Abridged
-------------------

TWENTY-NINTH SOUTH PACIFIC FORUM
Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia
24 - 25 August 1998

FORUM COMMUNIQU=C9

 The Twenty-Ninth South Pacific Forum was held in Palikir, Pohnpei from
24 to 25 August 1998 and was attended by Heads of States and Governments
of the Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati,
Nauru, Niue, Palau, the Republic of Marshall Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and
Vanuatu; and representatives of Australia, New Zealand, Papua New
Guinea, Samoa and Solomon Islands. The Forum Retreat was held on Pohnpei
at the Village Hotel.

2. The Forum thanked the Government and people of the Federated States
of Micronesia for their warm welcome and the generous hospitality
provided to all delegations to the Forum and for the arrangements made
for its meeting.

 =93From Reform to Growth : The Private Sector and Investment as the Keys=

to
 Prosperity=94

3. Leaders thanked the President of the Federated States of Micronesia
for his presentation on the Forum theme =93From Reform to Growth : The
Private Sector and Investment as the Keys to Prosperity.=94  The Forum
noted the importance of the private sector and investment as the keys to
economic growth and agreed that efforts should be made to ensure macro
economic stability by improving fiscal discipline, further progressing
public sector reforms and broadening the tax base. It also emphasised
the need to introduce a wide range of policy, legal, regulatory and
institutional reforms which provide the private sector with a more
favourable and competitive business environment.

4. Leaders also thanked the Deputy Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea
for the presentation on the sub-theme of =93Reform and the Private Sector=
:
Experience To Date=94. Leaders emphasised the critical need for Forum
Governments to implement their Economic Reform Programmes through
private sector participation that would encourage the promotion of
economic growth and prosperity among member countries of the region.

5. Leaders recognised the importance of tourism and fisheries to the
economies of its member countries in particular the smaller ones.  The
Forum heard presentations by the President of Kiribati on fisheries and
the President of Palau on tourism under the sub-theme =93Tourism and
Fisheries : Key Sectors for Private Investment and Growth=94.  Leaders
gave strong endorsement to the proposed strategies for promoting these
sectors as outlined in the presentations as well as in the FEMM
outcomes.

6. In recognition of the fundamental role played by education and
training in enhancing the adaptability of Pacific Islanders to the
rapidly changing world and region, the Forum heard a presentation by the
Prime Minister of Tonga on the sub-theme =93Education =96 Capacity Buildi=
ng
for Private Sector Growth=94, and agreed to address the key constraints
identified in the presentation.

7. The Forum recognised the crucial importance of accessibility to
capital and the need for improved dialogue between the private sector
and financial institutions to better understand financial sector
operations and how it can facilitate economic development. It heard a
presentation by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand on the
sub-theme =93 Banks as the Engine of Growth in the Private Sector=94 whic=
h
addressed this dimension of private sector development.

8. Forum Leaders asked the Secretary General to consult members, SPOCC
agencies and other multilateral organisations on a programme of action
to advance the proposals contained in the thematic presentations and to
report to the Forum Chair. In regard to the recommendations on fisheries
issues presented by the President of Kiribati, Leaders agreed that FFA
consider them and take appropriate action as early as possible. Leaders
welcomed the offer by Kiribati to host the Fisheries Conference in
Tarawa to advance these initiatives.

 Forum Economic Ministers Meeting

9. The Forum welcomed the outcome of the second Forum Economic Ministers
Meeting (FEMM2) which was held in Nadi, Fiji on 7-8 July 1998 and
thanked the Government of Fiji for hosting the meeting. Leaders noted
that good overall progress had been made in the implementation of the
FEMM Action Plan, taking into account capacity constraints facing some
members, the back drop of region-specific difficulties, notably drought,
and other natural disasters and the problems faced by some member
countries from the Asian economic crisis.

10. Leaders affirmed that the best way to respond to such difficulties
is by continuing to strengthen their economies by pursuit of the Forum
Economic Action Plan. They acknowledged that the success of the FEMM
process depended on effective implementation of the Action Plan by
member Governments.

11. Leaders were encouraged by the additional  strategies and measures
adopted by FEMM to enhance the impact of the Action Plan in furthering
economic reform. Leaders endorsed specific recommendations concerning
the region=92s response to undesirable financial activities, the promotio=
n
of competitive telecommunication markets, the development of information
infrastructure as well as work related to the Forum Free Trade Area.
They agreed that when work on the free trade area framework is
sufficiently advanced that a meeting of Forum Trade Ministers be
convened to make recommendations to the next Forum.

12. Recognising the importance of efficient and effective communications
services for both national and regional development, the Forum agreed to
convene a Forum Communications Policy Ministerial meeting. The aim of
the meeting will be to promote competitive telecommunications markets
and, taking into account social and rural/urban equity concerns,
discourage unwarranted cross-subsidisation between service sectors; work
towards the development of a cooperative approach to information
infrastructure and regulatory services; and examine developments in
relation to international settlement rates for telecommunications
services.

13. The Forum considered international settlement rates for
telecommunications services and the very serious implications for some
Forum Island Countries of the decision by the United States to adjust
those rates with respect to its own telecommunications services.
Leaders strongly urged the United States to recognise the adverse
consequences for all Forum Island Countries of that decision and to
respond favourably to their concerns in that regard.

14. The Forum recognised the special circumstances of the smaller Forum
member countries in the implementation of economic reforms under the
Action Plan and the need for strong support for their reform processes
by regional organisations and the donor community.

15. The Forum directed that the Forum Secretariat continue to accord
high priority to facilitating the implementation of the Action Plan and
requested FEMM to report  to the 1999 Forum on further progress in its
implementation.

 New Caledonia

16. The Forum noted the report by the Forum Chair on his visit to New
Caledonia and expressed its appreciation to the Government of France and
the authorities in New Caledonia for facilitating the Chair=92s visit.
Forum Leaders also warmly welcomed the signing of the Noumea Accords by
the two main parties in New Caledonia, the FLNKS and the RPCR, and the
French Government.

17. The Forum reaffirmed its support for continuing contact with all
communities in New Caledonia and reiterated its recognition of the
rights of the people of New Caledonia to self-determination. In this
regard, Leaders agreed to a continuing future monitoring role for the
Forum Ministerial Committee on New Caledonia during the period of the
Noumea Accords, particularly with respect to the referenda that will be
conducted pursuant to the Accords.
18. The Forum issued the Statement at Annex 1 on observership at the
Forum for New Caledonia.

19. The Forum further noted that the existing criteria for observer
status would be re-examined in the light of New Caledonia=92s imminent
admission as an observer at the Forum.

 Forum Aviation Policy Ministers Meeting

20. Leaders welcomed the outcomes of the Forum Aviation Policy Ministers
Meeting and recognised the value of the sectoral policy meeting format
adopted in this case. It endorsed the Meeting=92s Forum Aviation Policy
Action Plan and the Secretariat progressing in 1998 the work arising
from the Forum Aviation Policy Ministers Meeting. It also agreed that
another Forum Aviation Policy Ministers Meeting should be convened to
review the Forum Aviation Policy Action Plan and report to the next
Forum.

 Future Trade and Aid Relations between the European Union and the
Pacific
 ACP States

21. The Forum noted that the Lom=E9 Convention has been invaluable for it=
s
Pacific ACP members (Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon
Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu) and acknowledged its appreciation to
the European Union and its member states for their substantial
contribution to the development of the region.  It endorsed the outcomes
from the Pacific ACP Ministers Meetings held in Suva on 8 April 1998,
including the proposed strategies for re-negotiating the Lom=E9
Convention.

 22. The Forum welcomed the decision by Pacific ACP Ministers to support
the expansion of the ACP to include other Pacific Island Countries not
presently parties to the Lome Convention, namely the Cook Islands,
Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau and the Republic of
Marshall Islands.

 Third Session of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Conference
 Pacific (MHLC3)

23. Leaders welcomed the successful outcome of the Third Session of the
Multilateral High Level Conference (MHLC3), now known as the Western and
Central Pacific Fisheries Conference, held in Tokyo in June 1998, and
thanked Japan for hosting this important meeting.

24. Leaders also noted the positive strides in the negotiations for the
development of a legally binding conservation and management arrangement
which will ensure, on a cooperative basis with Distant Water Fishing
Nations (DWFNs), the maintenance of a sustainable fishery in the region
as well as enhance the economic security of coastal states particularly
those whose economies are highly dependent on this one resource.

25. The Forum further called on developed States to honour their
obligations and commitments to provide financial assistance to
facilitate the participation of Pacific Island Countries at future
inter-sessional working group meetings and MHLCs to help them discharge
their management and conservation responsibilities.

 Vessel Monitoring System (VMS)

26. The Forum reiterated its endorsement for the concept of a Vessel
Monitoring System (VMS) for the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) member
countries, which will be progressively implemented for DWFNs vessels
operating in the exclusive economic zones of FFA member countries.
Leaders also noted the opportunities for improved technology in such
systems which may enhance their roles in fisheries conservation and
management.  Leaders again called on DWFNs operating in the region to
support the VMS initiative of FFA member countries.

27. Leaders welcomed the interest by the European Union and New
Caledonia in concluding fisheries agreement with FFA member countries
and requested the FFA to continue discussions on the matter with both
the EU and New Caledonia and provide further advice to FFA members.
Leaders agreed to consider this again at the next Forum.

 1999 United Nations Special Session on Small Island Developing States
 (UNSSSIDS)

28. The Forum reaffirmed its endorsement of the Barbados Programme of
Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States
(BPOA) as a comprehensive framework with great potential for the region
and commended implementation efforts currently underway at the national
and regional levels.

29. Leaders endorsed the development of arrangements for the United
Nations Special Session allowing for the involvement of non-UN members,
and noting that specific mandates on a range of issues will be developed
and brought to the next Forum Officials Committee Meeting for
consideration.

30. Leaders noted that the Special Session to review the BPOA in 1999
represents an important opportunity for the region. They reiterated the
importance of facilitating the participation of the Forum Island
Countries in the Special Session and its preparatory process, and called
on countries to pledge support through voluntary contributions.

31. The Forum agreed that in giving focus to the interests of Small
Island Developing States in the run-up to the Special Session, a single
regional presentation be made at the forthcoming Intersessional meeting
of the Commission on Sustainable Development.  The Secretariat was asked
to arrange a meeting of members to coordinate these preparations.

32. Leaders, conscious of the importance of reliable data and
information systems in the pursuit of sustainable development endorsed
the early implementation of SIDSNET activities in the region as part of
its efforts to implement the BPOA.

 Vulnerability Index

33. The Forum reiterated the importance of the vulnerability index and
commended the positive developments at the United Nations and within the
Commonwealth as well as in the region towards the completion of a
comprehensive vulnerability index encompassing such factors as
environmental and capacity considerations that can be broadly applied
and included among the criteria for developing Least Developed Country
status and for deciding concessional aid and trade treatment.

34. The Forum agreed to pursue as a matter of urgency in the appropriate
United
Nations and other fora the deferral of a decision on graduation of any
Forum member from the list of LDCs until an acceptable vulnerability
index is developed and can be taken into account in classification
decisions.

 Climate Change

35. Leaders adopted a Statement on Climate Change which is attached as
Annex 2.

 Sea Launch Project



36. The Forum expressed its concern over the potential environment
effects from the proposed Sea Launch Project and called for a
comprehensive environmental impact assessment of the proposal to be
undertaken. It further agreed that this be communicated to the United
States in the Post-Forum Dialogue.

37. Leaders further agreed that there was a need for a consultative
mechanism to be established in the region for considering the
environmental and economic impacts of proposed developments such as
this, in international waters adjacent to the exclusive economic zones
of Forum member countries.

 Shipment of Radioactive Wastes

38. The Forum reiterated its position that shipments of plutonium and
radioactive wastes through the region posed a continuing concern and
agreed to adopt a consistent position on the issue, taking into account
the risks of an accident occurring and the consequences of such an
accident.  It reiterated the expectation that such shipments should be
carried out in a manner which addressed all possible contingencies and
the concerns of relevant countries, including coastal states of the
region.  The Forum expected that shipments would be made only if the
cargo is of demonstrably minimal risk, ships are of the highest standard
and shipping states agree to promote the safety of the material and
provide compensation for any industries harmed as a result of changes in
the market value of the region's fisheries and tourism products in the
event of an accident.

39. In this regard, the Forum noted the efforts of Japan, France and the
United Kingdom in providing information about the recent shipment of
high level wastes and expressed the hope that this would be continued.

40. Leaders agreed to pursue discussions with France, Japan and the
United Kingdom on the current liability regime for compensating the
region for economic losses caused to tourism, fisheries and other
affected industries as a result of an accident involving a shipment of
radioactive materials, even if there is no actual environmental damage
caused.  After an assessment is made on the adequacy of such a regime,
the Forum will consider strategies for ensuring that an adequate and
comprehensive compensation scheme is put in place.

41. The Forum further agreed that members, through the Forum
Secretariat, pursue in the relevant international agencies a strong
regime of prior notification to, and  consultation with, coastal states
on planned shipments of hazardous wastes, the development of a regime
for the preparation of Environmental Impact Statements and Emergency
Response Plans.

Whale Sanctuary

42. Leaders recalled their support in 1993 for the International Whaling
Commission=92s moratorium on commercial whaling and the proposal to
establish a Southern Ocean Sanctuary. The Forum continued to attach
importance to the sustainable use of marine resources, noting that a
greater level of protection for whales was appropriate, and also noting
the internationally recognised need for sanctuaries to assist with the
long term conservation of great whales.

43. In this context, the Forum gave its support to the development of a
proposal to establish a South Pacific Whale Sanctuary for great whales
to complement the existing Indian and Southern Ocean Sanctuaries, with
particular attention to the need to protect Forum members traditional
and cultural practises and the sustainable use of their marine
resources.  The Forum recognised that the issue was an important one for
some Dialogue Partners and that it would be necessary to fully consult
with them as part of this process.

 Nuclear Testing

44. The Forum reaffirmed its strong opposition to nuclear testing and
condemned the recent tests by India and Pakistan.  It expressed grave
concern at the challenge that the recent nuclear tests constitute to the
international nuclear non-proliferation regime, and its deep concern at
the risk of a nuclear arms race in South Asia.

45. Leaders, in pursuit of genuine and universal disarmament, sought a
successful outcome to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review
Conference in the year 2000, while focussing on key issues of interest
to the region such as nuclear weapons free zones and cooperation between
the nuclear weapons free zones in the southern hemisphere in particular,
and the transport of nuclear materials in the region.

46. The Forum urged its members and those countries that have not
already done so to ratify the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT)
before the end of the three year period after the Treaty was opened for
signature.

 Anti-Personnel Landmines

47. Recalling their endorsement at their meeting last year of
international developments in the campaign to ban anti-personnel
landmines, Leaders welcomed the signing of the Ottawa Convention, and
commended the support for the Convention by members.

 Biological Weapons Convention

48. Leaders also expressed their abhorrence of other weapons of mass
destruction and  expressed the hope that progress would be made for an
early conclusion of a protocol to strengthen the Biological Weapons
Convention (BWC). Leaders also welcomed the initiative by Australia for
a high level meeting to assist in achieving this goal.

 South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty

49. Leaders noted from the Secretary General=92s report that there had
been no further signatures or ratifications of the Rarotonga Treaty or
its Protocols since the United Kingdom=92s ratification on 19 September
1997, and called upon the United States to promptly ratify the
Protocols.

 Results of the Study on the Radiological Situation at the Atolls of
Mururoa
 and Fangataufa

50. The Forum noted that the finding of the International Atomic Energy
Agency (IAEA) Study indicates negligible residual contamination as a
result of nuclear testing. Leaders recalled that the Forum had called
for such a study to be carried out and expressed appreciation that the
results of the study had been presented to the region prior to
publication and subsequent international scientific scrutiny.

51. Leaders commended Dr Vili Fuavao for his participation as the Forum
representative on the International Advisory Committee which undertook
the study as well as Dr Shorten of the South Pacific Applied Geoscience
Commission who represented the region at the International Scientific
Conference in Vienna to review the results of the study.

52. Leaders agreed that the concerns by the Forum representative at the
International Scientific Conference about the lack of geological detail
in the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Study on the
Radiological Situation at the Atolls of Mururoa and Fangataufa should be
fully assessed and responded to.

53. The Forum called on France to carry out ongoing radiological
monitoring of the environment on Mururoa and Fangataufa, and strongly
urged France to address fully, concerns of the people of French
Polynesia especially regarding the possible health effects of the
nuclear testing programme.

54. The Forum called on all nuclear powers which had conducted nuclear
tests in the region to accept full responsibility and liability for past
nuclear testing.  Leaders also called on all States concerned to fulfil
their responsibilities to ensure that sites where nuclear tests have
been conducted are monitored scrupulously and to take appropriate steps
to avoid adverse impacts on health, safety and the environment as a
consequence of such nuclear testing.

55. The Forum recognised the special circumstances pertaining to the
continued presence of radioactive contaminants in the Republic of
Marshall Islands, and reaffirmed the existence of a special
responsibility by the United States towards the people of the Marshall
Islands, who had been, and are continuing to be, adversely affected as a
direct result of nuclear weapons tests conducted by the United States of
America during its administration of the islands under the UN
Trusteeship mandate.

56. The Forum again reiterated its call on the United States to live up
to its full obligations on the provision of adequate and fair
compensation and the commitment to its responsibility for the safe
resettlement of displaced populations, including the full and final
restoration to economic productivity of all affected areas.

 Regional Security Cooperation

57. Leaders expressed their deep sympathy at the tragic loss of lives in
Aitape and  commended Forum members and other donors which contributed
in response to the tsunami tragedy in Sanduan Province, Papua New
Guinea.

58. The Forum noted the briefing provided by the Deputy Prime Minister
of Papua New Guinea on the progress made in restoring peace in
Bougainville. It acknowledged that Bougainville remains an integral part
of Papua New Guinea.  It also noted the appreciation by the Government
of Papua New Guinea for the assistance provided by members towards the
reconstruction and rehabilitation programme and the peace process,
including the participation in the Peace Monitoring Group. It welcomed
these positive developments in Bougainville, and commended all members
involved in bringing about peace and normalcy on the island. Leaders
also welcomed the United Nation=92s positive response in despatching a
Peace Monitoring Team to Bougainville.

59. Leaders welcomed the report on progress on the implementation of the
Aitutaki Declaration.

60. Leaders noted that a Status of Forces Agreement might not be
required at this stage given that assistance could be provided in its
absence, and that the Secretariat be requested to coordinate model
legislation and relevant agreement and report to the Forum Regional
Security Committee (FRSC) at its next meeting. It further noted the
circumstances under which a second meeting of FRSC might be convened in
response to emergency situations.

61. Leaders also noted the existence of mechanisms for preventive
diplomacy which can be useful in the peaceful and early resolution of
conflict in the region which include the FRSC, the use of the good
offices of the Secretary General, eminent persons, fact-finding missions
and third party mediation and tasked the Secretariat to further consider
cost implications of these preventive diplomacy mechanisms taking into
account United Nations and Commonwealth practice.

62. The Forum expressed concern over the continued lack of progress in
implementing the legislative priorities of the Honiara Declaration on
Law Enforcement Cooperation and reiterated its commitment to ensuring
that a regional legislative framework be put in place by the year 2000.
Leaders endorsed the FRSC=92s Action Plan to help members achieve this
objective and welcomed Australia=92s offer to assist members in their
implementation of these legislative priorities, acknowledging the
limited capacity of some member states to meet the provisions of the
Honiara Declaration.

63. The Forum noted the progress on work done by the South Pacific
Conference of Police Chiefs and the Customs Heads of Administration
Meeting sub-committees on a Common Approach to Weapons Control, and a
Regional Consultative Mechanism on Security Issues and endorsed the
Forum Secretariat=92s continued administrative support to specialist law
enforcement agencies and as may be appropriate, funding support to
undertake specific tasks as may be decided by FRSC.

64. Leaders endorsed the continuing role of FRSC as the body responsible
for the oversight of effective regional law enforcement coordination
amongst specialist law enforcement agencies and for the development of
recommendations on policy approaches to broader regional security
issues.

65. The Forum noted with concern recent acts of terrorism at Nairobi,
Dar Es Salaam, and Omagh with tragic loss of innocent lives.  The
Leaders reiterated their collective condemnation of international
terrorism and reaffirmed their support for international cooperation
aimed at its eradication.

 Drug Issues

66. The Forum welcomed the outcomes of the 20th Special Session of the
United Nations General Assembly convened to consider the fight against
the illicit production, sale, demand, traffic and distribution of
narcotics drugs and psychotropic substances and the proposed new
strategies, including practical measures and activities to address the
problem of drug abuse and trafficking.

67. It further agreed to encourage its members to examine the specific
outcomes of the Special Session and the proposed new strategies for
implementation.

68. It further requested the Secretariat to provide to the 1999 Forum
Regional Security Committee upon receipt of views and comments from
members on the outcomes of the Special Session of the General Assembly,
a draft implementation schedule for a regional response that takes into
account measures already being undertaken under the current
Secretariat=92s 5-year programme and the priority areas identified by
members.

69. The Forum also called for early ratification and implementation by
members of the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961, that
Convention as amended by the 1970 Protocol, the Convention of
Psychotropic Substances, 1971, and the United Nations Convention Against
Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 1988.

 Japan-Forum Leaders' Summit

70. Leaders welcomed the opportunity to meet with Leaders from Japan at
the South Pacific Forum-Japan Leaders Summit held in October, 1997 at
Tokyo. The Forum  expressed its appreciation to Japan for the initiative
which is another step forward in the expanding already strong links
between the region and Japan. The Forum reaffirmed the value that the
region places on this relationship as well as its commitment to the
Joint Declaration issued at the conclusion of the Summit.  The Forum
welcomed the offer by the Prime Minister of Japan to host such Summits
every two years.

 Relations with ASEAN

71. The Forum welcomed the continued efforts by the region to establish
closer relations with ASEAN, noting the possible value of reciprocal
annual visits by the respective Chairs of the Forum and ASEAN, and
encouraged continuing consultations between the respective Secretaries
General.

 Post-Forum Dialogue

72. Forum Leaders welcomed the increased interest in the Post-Forum
Dialogue meetings which are a major vehicle for multilateral political
and economic consultations with the region=92s partners.

73. Leaders further accepted the following criteria for admission of a
country to Post-Forum Dialogue status: long- established historical
links with the region which may include significant security links;
significant trade and investment links with the region; long term
commitment to the region through participation in regional organisations
and/or the establishment of diplomatic missions; cultural and social
identification with communities in the region; development assistance to
the region through bilateral and/or multilateral programmes and shared
interests or common positions on key international issues.

 Canada Security Council Candidature

74. The Forum supported and endorsed Canada=92s Security Council
candidature.

 Trade Office in China

75. The Forum agreed that, while it supported the establishment of a
trade office in  China, these efforts should not be progressed further
if sufficient additional funds cannot be identified.

 Pacific Islands APEC Centre

76. The Forum noted the progress made to date on the establishment of
the Pacific Islands APEC Centre and thanked Papua New Guinea for its
efforts to secure benefits for the Forum Island Countries from the APEC
process which should compliment the role played by the Forum Secretariat
on APEC matters.

 Funding for SPREP Headquarters

77. The Forum noted the current status of funding for the construction
of a new headquarters for SPREP and expressed appreciation to Australia,
New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Samoa for their contribution to the
project.

78. Emphasising the importance of environment issues and the work of
SPREP in support of sustainable development in the region, Leaders
encouraged Japan to assist with the proposed SPREP Training and
Education Centre component of the project, and called on other SPREP
members and Dialogue Partners to support the project.

 Commonwealth Secretary-General position

79. The Forum noted the importance of the Commonwealth both at the
regional and international level.  It also noted that the position of
the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth will shortly be vacant and
recalled that the first Secretary-General was from Canada, the second
from the Caribbean and the third from the African region.  It also
recalled the New Zealand Government=92s intention to nominate Rt Hon Don
McKinnon for the vacant position. Leaders agreed that this vacancy
represents an excellent opportunity to promote a candidate from among
the South Pacific Forum members.

 Compact Renegotiations

80. The Forum took note of the upcoming economic negotiations between
the Governments of the Federated States of Micronesia and the United
States of America and wishes both Governments a successful
renegotiation.

 Appreciations

81. The Forum commended the outgoing Chairman, the Hon Sir Geoffrey
Henry, MP, Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, for his leadership of the
Forum over the past year.  The Forum also warmly welcomed the new
Secretary General, the Hon Noel Levi, CBE, and thanked him for the
successful arrangements and his support to the Leaders. It also extended
its sincere appreciation to Mr Tony Slatyer, Deputy Secretary General
for his services to the Forum and wished him well as he leaves the
Secretariat.

  Date and Venue of Next Meeting

82. The Forum reaffirmed its appreciation and acceptance of the kind
offer by Palau to host the 30th South Pacific Forum. The date for the
Forum will be finalised by the Republic of Palau in consultation with
the Secretariat.
 Annex 1

29TH SOUTH PACIFIC FORUM
Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia
24 August 1998

FORUM LEADERS' RETREAT STATEMENT ON NEW CALEDONIA

 Forum Leaders meeting today in Pohnpei have warmly welcomed the signing
of the Noumea Accords.

2. Leaders agreed to a continuing monitoring role for the Forum
Ministerial Committee on New Caledonia during the period of the Noumea
Accords, particularly with respect to the referenda that will be
conducted pursuant to the Accords.

3. Leaders agreed that the Forum would give favourable consideration to
a formal request from New Caledonia for its admission to the 1999 Forum
as an observer.

24 August 1998

 Annex 2

CLIMATE CHANGE

1. The Forum recognised and endorsed members=92 deep concerns regarding
the impact of greenhouse gas emissions on rising sea levels and changing
weather patterns on all Forum members, especially low lying island
nations, as recorded in the =93Forum Leaders=92 Statement on Climate Chan=
ge=94
issued at the 28th South Pacific Forum and the =93Statement on Climate
Change and Sea Level rise=94 issued by the 7th Economic Summit of Smaller=

Island States Leaders.

2. The Forum recognised the legally binding commitments agreed in the
Kyoto protocol as a significant first step forward on the path of
ensuring effective global action to combat climate change.

3. The Forum encouraged all countries to sign the Kyoto Protocol and to
work toward its earliest possible ratification.

4. The Forum urged that the momentum achieved in Kyoto be maintained and
built upon at the Fourth Conference of the Parties (COP4) to the
Framework Convention on Climate Change in Buenos Aires in November 1998.

5. The Forum highlighted the importance of implementation of measures to
ensure early progress toward meeting these commitments. They urged all
Annex 1 Parties, especially the United States, European Union, Russia,
Japan, Canada and other major emitters to take urgent action in this
regard.

6. The Forum called for the achievement of substantial progress in
establishment of the rules for international implementation mechanisms,
particularly emissions trading, the Clean Development Mechanism and
Joint Implementation to ensure that these mechanisms assist the
effectiveness of greenhouse gas reduction efforts in the attainment of
Kyoto commitments.

7. The Forum noted the recognition in the Kyoto Protocol of the
importance of the adaptation needs of vulnerable Pacific Island states.
Leaders urged all parties to recognise the need for adaptation measures
to be undertaken within Pacific Island States.  They called for adequate
resources to be generated through the implementation mechanisms of the
Kyoto Protocol and the Global Environment Facility for the full range of
adaptation measures.

8. The Forum recognised the importance of COP4 initiating work to
develop verifiable, enforceable, effective and transparent
accountability mechanisms through emissions inventory monitoring,
recording and reporting requirements, and supported the need for an
effective compliance regime to back the legally binding commitments
under the Kyoto Protocol.  They called for work to commence at COP4 on
the elaboration of procedures and mechanisms for non-compliance with the
Protocol.

9. The Forum stressed that an effective global response to the problem
of climate change required ongoing active cooperation and strengthened
action by all countries, in accordance with the principles of the
UNFCCC, including of their common but differentiated responsibilities
and respective capabilities and that developed country parties should
take the lead in combatting climate change and the adverse effects
thereof. The Forum commended recent work done by SPREP in support of
PIC=92s  in their international negotiations and recommended that this
continue. The Forum stressed the urgent need to initiate a process to
develop procedures and future time frames for wider global participation
in emission limitation and reduction efforts in which significant
developing country emitters would enter into commitments which reflect
their individual national circumstances and development needs.

10. The Forum recommended that these positions should be actively
advocated by Forum member countries and the Forum Chair, who would work
together to advocate these positions to other countries and any broad
grouping that members can influence in the lead up to, and at, COP4 in
Buenos Aires and beyond.

+++niuswire

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Please acknowledge Pasifik Nius:
niusedita at pactok.net.au
http://www.usp.ac.fj/www/usp/soh/journ/nius/index.html