New Forum Agreement Signed By All
PRESS STATEMENT
77/06
Friday 27th October 2006
Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General, Mr Greg Urwin, today welcomed the signature by all Forum member countries of the new treaty on the Pacific Islands Forum.
Prime Minister of Tonga, the Hon. Dr. Fred Sevele, today signed the Agreement Establishing the Pacific Islands Forum.
All 16 Forum members have now signed the Agreement.
The Agreement was opened for signature by Forum Leaders at their 2005 meeting in Port Moresby.
"The Agreement is a fitting accompaniment to the Pacific Plan," said Mr Urwin. "It enshrines in law the purpose and priorities Leaders endorsed in the Plan, and provides the legal basis we need to take the Forum forward into the future."
The Secretary General welcomed the signature of the new Agreement by all Leaders as an important step in the life of the Forum, and expressed his hope for its prompt entry into force.
The Agreement will enter into force when it is ratified by all Forum members.
On 19th October 2006, Australia became the first Forum member country to ratify the Agreement.
Key features of the new Agreement include:
- Expanding the Forum's legal arrangements beyond the Secretariat, to clearly establish the Pacific Islands Forum as an intergovernmental organisation at international law;
- New and updated provisions relating to the Forum's structure, purpose and functions, consistent with the Pacific Plan;
- Provisions reflecting Leaders' decision to create a category of associate membership of the Forum.
(Ends)
77/06
Friday 27th October 2006
Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General, Mr Greg Urwin, today welcomed the signature by all Forum member countries of the new treaty on the Pacific Islands Forum.
Prime Minister of Tonga, the Hon. Dr. Fred Sevele, today signed the Agreement Establishing the Pacific Islands Forum.
All 16 Forum members have now signed the Agreement.
The Agreement was opened for signature by Forum Leaders at their 2005 meeting in Port Moresby.
"The Agreement is a fitting accompaniment to the Pacific Plan," said Mr Urwin. "It enshrines in law the purpose and priorities Leaders endorsed in the Plan, and provides the legal basis we need to take the Forum forward into the future."
The Secretary General welcomed the signature of the new Agreement by all Leaders as an important step in the life of the Forum, and expressed his hope for its prompt entry into force.
The Agreement will enter into force when it is ratified by all Forum members.
On 19th October 2006, Australia became the first Forum member country to ratify the Agreement.
Key features of the new Agreement include:
- Expanding the Forum's legal arrangements beyond the Secretariat, to clearly establish the Pacific Islands Forum as an intergovernmental organisation at international law;
- New and updated provisions relating to the Forum's structure, purpose and functions, consistent with the Pacific Plan;
- Provisions reflecting Leaders' decision to create a category of associate membership of the Forum.
(Ends)
