25 September 2008: Re: Subject: SAICM-OELTWG (Rome, 21-24 October) and related workshop (Bangkok, 2-4 December)

Dear SAICM National Focal Points for Asia Pacific countries,

In my recent message I invited your comments on my selection of countries that receive funding for the participation in OELTWG by yesterday (Tuesday 14 Sep). I received responses from Bangladesh, Malaysia, Nepal, Palau, Syria and Yemen. I also received a message from Myanmar that it is also considering nomination.

I also talked with the SAICM Secretariat about the most recent situation and clarification about the synergies with the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention. I was informed that the participants in Rotterdam COP who extend their stay for SAICM OELTWG should be understood as additional funded participants to the 15 places allocated to the Asia-Pacific Region for funding support. This means that we can select a little more countries for funding support.

Therefore, from what I had heard, I submitted the following list of countries:
- Bangladesh
- Bhutan
- China
- Indonesia
- Kiribati
- Malaysia
- Mongolia
- Oman
- Palau
- Philippines
- Sri Lanka
- Vietnam
- Yemen
- One more from Central Asia
- One more to be decided

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- Iran
- Jordan
- Maldives
- Nepal
- Samoa
- Syrian Arab Republic
- Thailand

If you compare this list with the previous list, you will notice that the additions are Bangladesh, China, Malaysia, Oman and Vietnam. There are still two slots that can be filled, so I will consider this by the end of this week.

Best regards,
Esak
Eisaku Toda
Asia-Pacific Regional Focal Point for SAICM
E-mail:saicm@iges.or.jp