Multilateral Working Group on the Environment Manama, Bahrain

(October 25-26, 1994)

Press Statement of the Gavelholder

The group applauded the historic developments of the bilateral negotiations including the Israel-Jordan peace treaty, an historic development in the Middle East peace process, and the ongoing progress in the implementation of the Israeli-Palestinian agreements.

The Working Group has made substantial progress on its four signature projects:

-- The group endorsed "the Bahrain Environmental Code of Conduct for the Middle East" - the first such document endorsed by any of the multilateral working groups;
-- Both the EU and Japan made significant financial commitments to the upper gulf of Aqaba oil spill contingency plan. These commitments will allow work on the agreed-upon implementation to proceed.
-- The group identified specific sites in the region for the U.S.-led project on wastewater treatment and reuse; and
-- The project on combating decertification with the World Bank and UN support is now ready for implementation.

New activities endorsed by the group include:

-- A Bahrain-led effort on a regional environmental center;
-- A U.S.-led effort on environmental health/pesticides; and discussion of hazardous wastes.