55. Although it had been expected that the next consultation on the proposed Regional Fisheries Commission would be hosted by South Africa in 2002, the preparations for the September 2002 Global Summit for Sustainable Development have precluded South Africa from being able confirm their offer. They would inform FAO soon as to whether they could host the consultation after the Global Summit.
56. The meeting was informed that responses on the follow-up actions requested at the last consultations in Madagascar, September 2001 had still not been received from some major delegations. The last consultation had also decided that a permanent chairman was needed to ensure steady progress was achieved in establishing the regional commission. The nominated selection committee of Australia, Mauritius, Mozambique and South Africa had drawn up the terms of reference of the permanent chair. To date three nominations had been received. The meeting noted these developments and participants agreed to inform their respective national authorities in order to speed the process.
