THE PRESIDENT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY 6 November 2007 Excellency, Based on the positive feedback after our meeting on 17 October, I would like to present the following elements as mutually agreed parameters for the continuation of the mandate review process: The review of mandates should be extended to all General Assembly mandates older than five years, including those that have been renewed; The Working Group should report on results and submit proposals with regard to the current review by the end of July 2008; A process should be established which allows for a more systematic input of expertise from main committees and from within the UN system, including from regional organizations; - - - - The Working Group would provide regular briefings, organized by the President of the General Assembly, on progress achieved; The review of mandates should be guided by the following principles: (a) The main objective of the review is to strengthen the UN, to update its programme of work and to improve the effective and efficient allocation of scarce resources. (b) Resources freed up from a review of development-related mandates should be reinvested into development activities; other savings should be optimally utilized, including for development; All Permanent Representatives and Permanent Observers to the United Nations New York (c) Politically sensitive mandates will be approached with caution and with due respect to the perspectives of those Member States whose interests are directly engaged; All issue areas should be reviewed and gaps identified and duplications eliminated in the implementation of mandates identified. The sequence of the issue areas to be addressed should be agreed upon according to established practice, taking into account previous contributions by the Secretariat. The Secretariat plays a crucial role in mandates review and its continued support will be essential. The mandate registry should be maintained and strengthened for the ongoing review of mandates. These parameters will guide the work of the Co-Chairs. As I proposed in our meeting, their initial consultations will be aimed at devising a way for a process, so as to allow for substantive work on mandate review to start after the Committees complete their work in the main session. I count on your cooperation and your constructive engagement with the Co-Chairs in order to achieve concrete steps on this important reform item. - - Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest esteem and consideration.