Public
FTAA.soc/com/21
May 16, 2003

Original: Spanish
Translation: FTAA Secretariat

FTAA - COMMITTEE OF GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES ON THE PARTICIPATION OF CIVIL SOCIETY

Twenty-First Meeting

Puebla, 24 – 25 April 2003


PRESS COMMUNIQUÉ
 

1. The Twenty-First Meeting of the Committee of Government Representatives on the Participation of Civil Society was held in Puebla on the 24 and 25 January 2003. Representatives from the following 12 countries were in attendance: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Mexico, Panama, the United States, and Venezuela.
   
   
2. During the meeting, the representatives approved the attached agenda and discussed the items listed therein.  
   
   
3. The main topic discussed by delegations remained the manner in which to increase the participation of civil society in the FTAA negotiating process. The Committee followed up on the mandates handed down by the TNC in Puebla, paying particular attention to those coming under the heading of “Transparency and Civil Society Participation.” The Committee reached agreement on the following points, among others: the organization of thematic meetings with delegations comprising government and non-governmental representatives; the launching of the official FTAA website with significant changes in presentation; and the drafting of a revised open invitation with updated information.
   
   
4. The Committee also held discussions on the other mandates agreed upon in Puebla, such as: the improvement of public statements and press communiqués; and the study on best practices for outreach and consultation with civil society. In respect of this last point, the Committee heard presentations given by representatives from the United Nations Organization and the Organization of American States on the mechanisms that they have set up for consulting with civil society. With regard to the Puebla mandate to organize civil society meetings running parallel to those of the SOC, the Committee agreed to hold its first thematic meeting with civil society, on the topic of agriculture, in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, at the invitation of the Government of Brazil. This event will take place on 25 June 2003. More information will be made available through the official contacts.
   
   
5. The Committee will meet in São Paulo, Brazil on 25 to 27 June 2003.

FTAA - COMMITTEE OF GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES ON THE PARTICIPATION OF CIVIL SOCIETY

Twenty - first Meeting

Puebla, April 24 and 25, 2003

AGENDA

1. Mandates from TNC-Puebla.
   
   
2. Follow up on the “Illustrative list of options to foster a process of increasing and sustained communication with civil society.”
   
   
3. Consideration of the range of viewpoints received from the contribution from civil society.
   
   
4. Preparation of the Fourth Report of the Committee.
    
5. Presentation of the Chair’s report to TNC-San Salvador.
    
6. Other business.