12. The Chairperson recalled that, at the Special Session's meeting on 8 March 2002, he had made some suggestions concerning the organization and phasing of the work of the Special Session and he had detected a general feeling among Members that these suggestions were considered useful. These suggestions provided for two main phases, a final negotiating phase of the mechanics preceded by a first phase devoted to further exploration of the issues and of the ideas already put forward, as well as of any new ideas that might be tabled. He had suggested that, as part of this first phase, it would be desirable if delegations aimed to table their main proposals by the September 2002 meeting as a target date. Prior to work based on proposals, he had suggested that it would be helpful for Members to have a more structured and engaged discussion. To that end, he had held an open-ended informal consultation on 17 May 2002 to get delegations' views before submitting a note in advance of the second Special Session which would identify a number of points and topics that participants might address. In drafting the note (JOB(02)/49), he had taken into account views expressed, both orally and in written documents, such as the communications submitted by the United States (TN/IP/W/2) and the European Communities and their member States (JOB(02)/44). He reiterated that the note was on his own responsibility and was without prejudice to the position of delegations or the outcome of the negotiations. It was recognized that the task before the Special Session was to negotiate a system that would constitute an integrated whole and that therefore it might be difficult to address some aspects in isolation. Delegations should therefore feel free to address any relevant matter at each meeting.
13. The Chairperson indicated that, in his note, he had identified four categories of issues for discussion at this meeting. He proposed to discuss them one by one, in the order of the note. If any delegations wanted to raise issues other than the four categories of issues identified, then they would have the opportunity to do so under a fifth item "Other issues". He would like to provide the opportunity for every delegation to express its position to the fullest. However, in view of time constraints, he suggested that general debate and statements be avoided, and instead asked delegations to focus on concrete presentation of positions on the four categories of issues. He expressed the hope that, through the course of discussions, the Special Session might reach some convergence on some aspects of the four categories listed in his note.
