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External sources (not reviewed)

It expressed concern regarding the increasing tension in the south, where the Government ignored claims related to basic services and development issues, which had led to demonstrations resulting in confrontations with security forces.

While obtaining justice for the tragic events of the past, emphasis would be placed on the compelling need for national reconciliation in order to build durable peace, democracy and prosperity for the Cambodian people.

The Ministers reaffirmed the special needs of and challenges faced by the landlocked developing countries caused by their lack of territorial access to the sea, aggravated by the remoteness from world markets and also the concern that the economic growth and social well-being of land-locked developing countries remain very vulnerable to external shocks as well as the multiple challenges the international community faces including the financial and economic crisis and climate changes.

The primary challenges faced by the secretariat of the Advisory Committee are twofold: the first concerns inadequate resources, which is compounded by the second challenge, the short time frame allotted to produce reports reflecting the Committee’s expert opinions on the proposed budgets and administrative issues submitted by the Office of Programme Planning, Budget and Accounts, as well as other departments and offices of the Secretariat.