Thank you, Co-facilitator.
I am speaking on behalf of the Arab Group,
The group would like to Align with the G77 and China statement, and we would make a small number of comments.
We consider the document a major improvement, and we commend your efforts to balance different groups' positions - which we believe have brought the document close to finalization.
In particular the group would like thank you for including important issues for the group and to reiterate it's support for the following paragraphs
In Para 15 the group supports the reference to "Forced displacement of people",
in Para 30 on unilateral measures, and also to the reference to the "resilience of host communities of refugees" in para 35."
In paragraph 7, we do not see why affordability of water would be bracketed while it is applied to energy and food. We also do not support the qualification of "progressively," as it undermines the urgency of the target.
On paragraph 20, the group would ask for the inclusion of the term "internationally recognized human rights"
In the second sentence of paragraph 28, it is important to qualify the sharing of wealth. We would request an addition at the end of the sentence, which would read as "This will only be possible if wealth is shared and income inequality is addressed in accordance with national laws and regulations."
On climate change in paragraph 31, we feel it is fruitless to try to renegotiate the terms of the UNFCCC In this document and in the context of ongoing negotiations in the UNFCCC. CBDR is a cornerstone concept, and we believe it is important to re-affirm the objectives, principles and provisions of the UNFCCC, which is the primary international, intergovernmental forum for negotiating the global response to climate change. We think we should reaffirm our commitment to reach an ambitious agreement in Paris later this year that addresses mitigation, adaptation, finance, technology development and transfer, capacity building and transparency of action and support.
On Paragraph 32 we would ask that the brackets be removed from "dust storms", a phenomenon that has dramatic impacts in our region.
On Paragraph 34 the group feels that the important issues of territorial integrity and national unity are missing. We would like to add in line 8 after "state building.".... "We reiterate the need to respect the principles of territorial integrity and national unity of countries".
In paragraph 41, it's important to emphasize that ODA can catalyze both private and public finance, not just public. The sentence should therefore read: "We emphasize that international public finance, including official development assistance (ODA), plays an important role in complementing the efforts of countries to mobilize public AND PRIVATE resources domestically..."
In paragraph 46, while we appreciate its intention, we continue to find the phrase "we are the last to have a chance of saving the planet" too melodramatic. We would suggest: "We can be the first generation to succeed in ending poverty while protecting the health of the planet."
Moving to the goals and targets, we believe that the co-facilitators treatment of the Xs is effective and the only viable solution. As stated yesterday the group can be flexible, however, at this point, on a Thursday night with 1 day to go we should focus on what is achievable.
on Paragraph 60 the group would request to revert to return the reference conflict and post conflict countries "we recognize the need to help countries in situations of conflict and post conflict to address the specific challenges and priorities.
In paragraph 63, we again would propose to include private sources along public in describing ODA's catalytic potential.
While we continue to believe the follow-up and review section is too detailed and lengthy in relation to the rest of the document, in the spirit of going home at a reasonable hour, we can be flexible at this point and avoid proposals of paragraph deletions if the document, with minor tweaks, can be accepted as a package.
Thank you.
