As the second session of the conference of parties to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control enters its fourth day in Bangkok, Thailand there is a general concern among delegates for the third session of the COP to take place in another developing country, possibly on the continent of Africa.
The delegates who are worried about the rule 3 of the conference of the parties which provides that the third sessions of the conference shall take place at the seat of the secretariat argued that Switzerland is still ‘smoky’ and had also play host to the first COP.
The Rule 3 and 4.2 of the Rules of Procedure of the parties respectively state that “the sessions of the conference shall take place at the seat of the secretariat, unless the conference of the parties decides otherwise. That, at each regular session, the conference of the parties shall decide on the date and duration of the next regular session”.
Meanwhile the Afro region has thrown its weight behind South Africa that has expressed interest in hosting the COP3.
According to the leader of the South African Delegates, Ms. Nthari Matsau, the hosting on the African continent means more awareness and show clear interest to help Africa of tobacco burden.
“South Africa is well prepared to host the COP 3 and if we get the hosting right it will speaks volume of the commitment to Africa as greater awareness would be raised on the continent,” she said.
It would be recalled that South Africa bided for COP2 alongside Thailand during the last COP in Geneva Switzerland.
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