RI HOPES FOR PASSAGE OF DRAFT MANADO DECLARATION IN WOC THIS YEAR

Jakarta, Jan 22 (ANTARA) - The government hoped the draft Manado Declaration could be passed by the countries taking part in the World Ocean Conference (WOC) in Manado, North Sulawesi, from May 11 to 14, 2009, secretary of the WOC organizing committee, Indroyono Soesilo, said here Thursday.

"The declaration may become guidelines on the world ocean policies," Indroyono said.
The secretary explained that the draft has been sent to WOC members countries. Moreover, he said, the draft would also be submitted in the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) meeting in Cairo, Egypt, in February 2009.
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