Timor-Leste To Attend the 23rd Montreal Protocol on the Protection of the Ozone Layer

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation has nominated a staff from the Division of Multilateral Affairs, Mr. Francisco Dionisio Fernandes, to attend the 23rd Open-Ended Working Group Meeting of the parties of Montreal Protocol, which will be held in Canada from July 7-11, 2003.

"It is important for Timor-Leste to participate in this conference, because from this meeting Timor-Leste will be able to develop and establish partnerships with other countries in the world, to make assessment and study on how Timor-Leste could develop appropriate steps to ensure a better environment in this region", said Mr. Francisco Fernandes

"During the 16 days we will discuss many issues such as; update on the request by the parties to the Global Environment Facility to clarify its future commitment to provide continued assistance to countries with economies in transition with respect to all ozone-depleting substances, update on the consideration of the used of the United Nations global harmonized system for the classification and labelling of chemicals that deplete the ozone layer as well as update on the information submitted by the parties concerning inhaler treatment for asthma and Chronic Obstructive pulmonary Disease", added Mr. Francisco.

The Montreal Protocol on the Ozone Layer is landmark international agreement designed to protect the stratospheric ozone layer. The treaty originally signed in 1987 and substantially amended in 1990 and 1992.

This is the first time Timor-Leste will participate in conference of this nature. Timor-Leste will participate as an observer. Timor-Leste, together with 178 countries, will participate in this conference.