(27 June - 1 July 1994)

REPORT OF

WORKING GROUP A

1. Introduction

In accordance with its mandate set by the Commission at its First Session (PREPCOM/I/4, paragraph 12) and its Programme of Work as adopted by the Commission at its Sixth Session (PC-VI/22) and under the interim chairmanship of Ambassador Jorge Morales Pedraza of Cuba, Working Group A held 2 meetings on 27 and 28 June 1994 to receive the Reports of the relevant Expert Groups and to take appropriate action thereon.

2. Data Systems

2.1 Working Group A received the Fifth and Sixth Reports of the Expert Group on Data Systems (PC-VII/A/WP.1, PC-VII/A/WP.3 and Corr.1). The Reports were presented by Mr. Olivier Caron of France, the Chairman of the Expert Group.

2.2 In accordance with paragraph 7 of PC-VII/A/WP.3, Working Group A recommended that the Commission postpone a final decision on national offers and in the meantime authorise the Secretariat, with the support of the Specialist Task Force, to continue working towards the development of the OPCW IMS in conjunction with the providers of national offers for the OPCW IMS, with a view to integrating efforts and solutions developed so far.

3. Programme of Work and Budget

3.1 Working Group A received the Fifth and Sixth Reports of the Expert Group on Programme of Work and Budget (PC-VII/A/WP.2 and PC-VII/A/WP.4). The Reports were presented by Ambassador Abelardo Posso-Serrano of Ecuador on behalf of Ambassador Jorge Morales Pedraza of Cuba, the Chairman of the Expert Group.

3.2 In accordance with paragraphs 5.1 (a) and (b) of PC-VII/A/WP.2, Working Group A recommended that the Commission:

(a) authorise the Executive Secretary to fill the following three posts, from 1 July 1994: one P-2 Head of Registry and Library, Information Systems Branch; one GS-OL Clerk, Recruitment Section, Personnel Branch; one GS-OL Clerk, Budget and Finance Branch; and

(b) request the Expert Group on Programme of Work and Budget further to consider the question of additional posts not included in paragraph 3.2 (a) above. This should be done during the next intersessional period with a view to making further recommendations to the Eighth Session of the Commission.

3.3 Working Group A noted the guidelines for the preparation of the revised draft of Part I and Part II of the 1995 Budget contained in paragraphs 12 to 34 of PC-VII/A/WP.4, as well as the Model Structure for Budget Presentation and the Identification of a Set of Financial Statements contained in Annexes 1 and 2 respectively of the same Report.

3.4 Working Group A also noted the statement made by the Executive Secretary that he would respect the guidelines recommended by the Expert Group on Programme of Work and Budget (paragraph 3.3 above).

3.5 Working Group A noted the difficulties referred to by the Executive Secretary with regard to the 15 July deadline for the completion of the draft 1995 Budget set by the Expert Group on Programme of Work and Budget, and suggested that the document be completed by the opening of business on 18 July 1994.

3.6 Working Group A also noted that the decision in paragraph 3.3 above should not be construed as setting a precedent with regard to any current rules regarding the decisions of Working Groups of the Commission. Working Group A reiterated the need to maintain the three-week rule for the release of Reports of Expert Groups requiring the action of Working Groups or the Commission.

4. Draft Plan of Activities for Expert Groups under Working Groups A and B for the period July-September 1994

Working Group A approved in principle the definition of tasks, the listing of documents, and the schedule of meetings for Working Group A as contained in the draft Plan of Activities submitted to the meeting, and referred this document to the Commission for approval.

5. Conclusion of Meeting

The Report of Working Group A was adopted and the meeting concluded on 28 June 1994 at 15:50 hours.

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