Final Draft Report 11-01-10 Draft Report... · MDGs Report 2010, during 9-11 December 2009, at Le Bristol Hotel, Beirut, Lebanon. On 9 and 10 December 2009, the EGM reviewed and discussed

Distr. LIMITED E/ESCWA/……… 11 January 2010 ORIGINAL: ENGLISH

Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA)

Draft Report

Expert Group Meeting on the LAS-UN Joint Report on the Attainment of the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) in the Arab Region 2010 (Arab MDGs Report 2010)

9-11 December 2009, Le Bristol Hotel, Beirut, Lebanon

Summary

Following the 1st Meeting of the Thematic Working Group (TWG) on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in the Arab Region on 23 July 2009, ESCWA, in collaboration with all members of the TWG, organized an expert group meeting (EGM) on the production of the Arab MDGs Report 2010, during 9-11 December 2009, at Le Bristol Hotel, Beirut, Lebanon.

On 9 and 10 December 2009, the EGM reviewed and discussed the zero draft chapters and/or

background papers on the MDGS 1 through 8, the financial crisis and conclusions and recommendations (i.e., chapters 2-11 of the Arab MDGs Report) prepared by the lead agencies and the drafting group in November 2009. The lead agencies and the drafting group received written and verbal comments from the Arab countries, UN agencies, League of Arab States, experts and consultants. The meeting also involved interaction and exchange of expertise among participants in order to better comprehend the challenges facing the attainment of the MDGs especially in the context of the current financial and economic crisis.

On 11 December 2009, the TWG on Arab MDGs held its 2nd meeting with the participation of

representatives of Arab countries present at the EGM, the ESCWA Task Force on Arab MDGs and the experts and consultants involved in the preparation of the Arab MDG Report 2010. The 2nd meeting of the TWG on Arab MDGs arrived at a set of decisions as detailed in this report. These decisions involved an agreed upon timetable of actions to be implemented by the concerned parties starting from December 2009 until the production and launching of the Arab MDGs Report by May 2010. They also involved agreed upon actions beyond the Report.

EUNITED NATIONS

ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL

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CONTENTS

Chapter Paragraphs Page Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 1-3 3 I. Participants .................................................................................................................. 4 3 II. Deliberations of the EGM ......................................................................................... 5 3 III. Decisions of the 2nd meeting of the TWG on Arab MDGs on 11 December 2009 6 3 IV. Deliberations of the sessions of EGM ..................................................................... 7-33 5-10 V. Opening of the Meeting ............................................................................................ 34-36 10 VI. Closing of the Meeting ............................................................................................ 37 10 Annex 1. Agenda of the Meeting ..................................................................................... 11-14 Annex 2. List of participants ............................................................................................ 15-21

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Introduction

1. Following the 1st Meeting of the Thematic Working Group (TWG) on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in the Arab Region on 23 July 2009, ESCWA, in collaboration with all members of the TWG, organized an expert group meeting (EGM) on the production of the Arab MDGs Report 2010, during 9-11 December 2009, at Le Bristol Hotel, Beirut, Lebanon.

2. On 9 and 10 December 2009, the EGM reviewed and discussed the zero draft chapters and/or

background papers on the MDGs 1 through 8, the financial crisis and conclusions and recommendations (i.e., chapters 2-11 of the Arab MDGs Report) prepared by the lead agencies and the drafting group in November 2009. The lead agencies and the drafting group received written and verbal comments from the Arab countries, UN agencies, League of Arab States, experts and consultants. The meeting also involved interaction and exchange of expertise among participants in order to better comprehend the challenges facing the attainment of the MDGs especially in the context of the current financial and economic crisis.

3. On 11 December 2009, the TWG on Arab MDGs held its 2nd meeting with the participation of

representatives of Arab countries present at the EGM, the ESCWA Task Force on Arab MDGs and the experts and consultants involved in the preparation of the Arab MDG Report 2010. The 2nd meeting of the TWG on Arab MDGs arrived at a set of decisions as detailed in this report. These decisions involved an agreed upon timetable of actions to be implemented by the concerned parties starting from December 2009 until the production and launching of the Arab MDGs Report by May 2010. They also involved agreed upon actions beyond the Report.

I. PARTICIPANTS

4. The 22 Arab countries were invited to the meeting. The meeting was attended by 62 participants.

These represented 11 Arab countries, 9 United Nations regional offices, one United Nations country office in Lebanon, United Nations Commission at Headquarter, International Telecommunication Union and the League of Arab States. Please see a list of participants in Annex 1.

II- Deliberations of the EGM

5. On 9 and 10 December 2009, the EGM held twelve sessions. The opening session included speeches by the LAS and ESCWA. The first session was an introduction to the EGM including background information on the TWG on Arab MDGs and the approved guidelines for the preparation of the report. The sessions 2-11 reviewed the zero drafts/background papers of chapters 2-11 of the report. The 12th session focused on the status of MDGs statistics in the Arab region. The deliberations of these sessions are included in part IV of this report.

III. Decisions of the 2nd meeting of the TWG on Arab MDGs on 11 December 2009

6. The main decisions of the 2nd meeting of the TWG on Arab MDGs as agreed upon on 11 December 2009, are as follows:

(a) The lead agencies will revise the respective zero draft chapters 2-11 of the report after

incorporating the comments of Arab countries, UN agencies, LAS, and experts on the zero draft chapters. The revisions will adhere to the guidelines for the preparation of the report (approved on 14 August 2009).

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(b) In particular, the chapters will utilize latest data and information available at the international level (UNSD and specialized agencies), regional level and the national level (including 2008). The analysis will be based at the country level. Based on the analysis, the Arab countries will be grouped according to their level of attainment of the various MDGs. Sub-regional classifications prior to the analysis (e.g. geographic classification of 4 groups) will be used whenever needed in the analysis. The revisions will also adhere to the official list of MDG indicators that was effective 15 January 2008.

(c) For each chapter, the accuracy of the data provided by each UN agency and LAS will be verified by the respective agency. That is, for each data item the respective agency and LAS will provide the definition, source and methodology.

(d) The Arab countries that will provide national MDG statistics will verify its accuracy. That is, for

each data item the respective country will provide the definition, source and methodology.

(e) The Statistics Division at ESCWA will provide the TWG on Arab MDGs with the available statistics on MDGs in the Arab Region. The data will be provided for each MDG indicator by country. For each data item, the provided information will include the definition, the source, and the methodology. This information will be delivered by 7 January 2010.

(f) The Arab countries, the UN agencies, LAS, and experts will send their written comments if any, and any latest and/or revised data and information, to the TWG by 7 January 2010. The information for each data item will include the definition, the source, and the methodology.

(g) Each lead agency will verify the accuracy of the data to be incorporated in its revised zero draft

chapter. This will be done in coordination with the concerned parties.

(h) The lead agencies will send the revised zero drafts of their respective chapters to the drafting group by 22 January 2010. The revised zero chapters should include specific section on the relationships, interaction and cross effects between the specific goals and all other relevant MDGs, as well as between the specific goal and the international financial and economic crisis. The revision should also incorporate as appropriate, the impacts on the Arab countries under occupation and/or conflict.

(i) The drafting group will write a coherent and consistent version of the zero draft of the AMDGR10 report by second half of February 2010. This will involve the consolidation of the revised zero draft chapters prepared by the respective lead agencies as well as the writing of the introduction and revision of the conclusion chapter. The drafting group will take into consideration the comments and the outcome of discussion of Arab countries, UN agencies, LAS and experts at the EGM as well as the written comments received before, during and after the EGM. The group will adhere to the approved guidelines and utilize their own substantive expertise in producing a zero draft of the report that is technically accurate, coherent, and harmonized.

(j) The members of the TWG on Arab MDGs will review and discuss the zero draft of the report at

the 3rd meeting of the TWG to be held late in March 2010. The meeting will be hosted by ESCWA in Beirut unless other UN agency or LAS offers to host it. The 3rd meeting is advised to invite selected experts from the Arab countries who are responsible for the preparation of the national MDGs reports in their respective countries.

(k) The drafting group will write the 1st draft of the Arab MDGs report and send it to the Arab states,

members of TWG on Arab MDGs, experts, ESCWA Task Force on Arab MDGs, to seek their final comments and endorsement by second week of April 2010.

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(l) The drafting group will produce the final draft of the report by 4th week of April 2010 and send it in Arabic and English to the Arab countries for their final comments and endorsement.

(m) The drafting group will produce the final report by May 2010 in both languages: English and

Arabic according to Arab countries’ feedback.

(n) ESCWA, as the convener of the TWG on Arab MDGs will organize, in collaboration with LAS and all other members of the TWG, the launching of the LAS-UN Joint Report on the attainment of MDGs in the Arab Region 2010, by May 2010.

(o) The drafting group will undertake all the necessary actions to ensure the proper submission and

presentation of the report at the “UN General Assembly Summit on MDGs +10” to be held in September 2010.

(p) The members of the TWG on Arab MDGs will continue to provide technical assistance, capacity

building, training to Arab countries throughout 2010 and beyond, to assist them in the implementation of the agreed upon recommendations of the report in order to assist in accelerating the attainment of MDGs in the Arab region.

IV- Deliberations of the sessions of EGM

7. The following paragraphs summarize the deliberations that took place during the various sessions 1-

12 held on 9 and 10 December 2009, (please review annex 1 i.e., the attached agenda).

Session I

8. The first session was chaired by Mr. Albagir Adam, the Secretary of the UNESCWA Commission, where he introduced Mr. Nabil Safwat, Convener of the TWG of Arab MDGs and Chief of Economic Development and Globalization Division at ESCWA. Mr. Safwat gave a presentation that provided an introduction for the EGM and some background information. He started his presentation by stating the main decisions agreed upon at the 1st meeting of the Thematic working Group on the Arab MDGs then he concentrated on specific issues. He detailed the objectives of the TWG on the Arab MDGs and then he stated the Membership of the TWG and of the Drafting Group. Afterwards, he presented the guidelines for the preparation of the Arab MDGs report 2010. At the end of his presentation, Mr. Safwat stated the objectives of this EGM and the major challenges facing the preparation of the Arab MDGs report 2010.

9. Then Mr. Albagir introduced Ms. Maisaa Youssef, Coordinator of the Regional Coordination

Mechanism at ESCWA, who presented a brief collection of thoughts and concerns on the various drafts submitted. She began by raising the question of how to mainstream the analysis of the financial and economic crisis and its impact throughout the report. Then she raised the issue of what classification of Arab countries should be included in this report, is it the standard classification only or would it be better sometimes to classify the Arab countries by crisis or by goal. Then she ended the presentation by tackling the structure of the report and posing the issue of whether this report will situate the financial crisis in the regional context and whether it would reflect a comparative approach.

10. After the presentation, an interactive debate took place whereby the representatives of the Arab

countries and the various UN and international agencies expressed their views and comments about the presentations. The participants raised their concerns regarding the accuracy of the data and stressed on the importance of incorporating data from national sources. Other issues raised included the need to identify the appropriate classification of the Arab countries. In addition to this, some

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experts believed that the report should shed light on the problems that are facing the Arab region and hindering its ability to develop.

Session II

11. The second session was chaired by Mr. Roberto Laurenti, Chief of Programme Planning and

Technical Cooperation Division at ESCWA, who gave the floor to Mr. Safwat for presenting Chapter 2 on the attainment of MDGs in the Arab region within the context of the international financial and economic crisis. Mr. Safwat started by stating the major sections of the chapter before focusing on selected recommendations that would help the Arab countries respond effectively to the International financial crisis.

12. After the presentation, an interactive debate took place whereby the representatives of several Arab

countries and the various UN and international agencies expressed their views and comments on chapter 2. The comments included the necessity to relate this chapter with the MDG targets and the need to incorporate all the Arab countries in the analysis. Other comments stated that the recommendations presented should be accompanied by a clear mechanism for implementing them. Additional suggestions involved the structure of this chapter as some experts proposed to begin this chapter by briefly defining the various crises and their inter-related effects on the MDGs. Also, some proposed that in addition to listing the negative effects of the crisis, the chapter should include its positive effects and how the Arab countries can benefit from this crisis.

Session III

13. The third session was chaired by Ms. Mona Hammam, Deputy Regional Director for Arab States at

UNDP who introduced Mr. Khaled Abu Ismail, Poverty and Economics Adviser at UNDP, to present goal 1 of the MDGs which deals with eradicating poverty and hunger. Mr. Abu Ismail displayed the various targets for goal 1 and commented on each target by stating facts and figures regarding it. At the end of his presentation, he listed a set of policy considerations that should assist the Arab countries achieve goal 1.

14. After the presentation, an interactive debate took place whereby the Arab countries and the various

UN and international agencies expressed their views and comments regarding the zero-draft for chapter 3 on goal 1. Some participants raised concerns regarding the data included and suggested that the report should use national sources whenever it is available. The participants also asked about the way and methodology used in measuring poverty and suggested that the chapter takes into consideration the social dimension of poverty such as education, health, and unsatisfied basic needs. Other comments included the importance of incorporating how some countries managed to successfully attain this goal in order to benefit from their experiences. Other suggestions included adding refugees to the classical classification between rural and urban. Additionally, some suggested linking poverty to unemployment as this represents a phenomenon in the region.

Session IV

15. The forth session was chaired by Mr. Hegazi Idris, Regional Consultant at UNESCO, who also presented chapter 4 on goal 2 of the MDGs that focuses on achieving universal primary education. Mr. Idris started by an introduction to Primary Education in the Arab States and continued his presentation by displaying data for the out of school children and for non-formal education. He proceeded by tackling the quality of education and of teachers in the region and finally he ended by stating some recommendations that should help to achieve this goal.

16. After the presentation, an interactive debate took place whereby the Arab countries and the various

UN and international agencies expressed their views and comments regarding the zero-draft for

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chapter 4 on goal 2. The participants believed that the indicators stated for MDG 2 do not give a clear picture of the degree of attaining this goal and thus proposed including additional indicators to provide a better assessment of achieving this goal in our region. Some comments indicated the need to include the education’s private sector in the region and the role of civil society in supporting the MDGs and education. More suggestions included the need to address basic and post-primary education and to discuss the worsening in the level of education. Additionally comments dealt with the importance to shed light on the conflicts in the region and their impact. Also, some proposed to focus on the vulnerable groups, the empowerment of girls and women, or the security conditions and services throughout the analysis.

Session V

17. The fifth session was chaired by Mr. Mohamad Ali, Regional Adviser at WHO, who also presented goal 6 of the MDGs which focuses on Combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases. Mr. Ali displayed the various targets and indicators for goal 6 while illustrating the findings for each indicator. The focus of the presentation was on assessing the extent to which the spread of HIV/Aids, Malaria and tuberculosis was reduced in the Arab region.

18. After the presentation, an interactive debate took place whereby the Arab countries and the various UN and international agencies expressed their views and comments regarding the zero-draft of chapter 8 on goal 6. Comments proposed by the participants included the need to deal with the health problems according to the special characteristics of the region and thus the draft could include indicators other than the ones currently tackled. Also, some participants proposed the use of budget analysis and government spending on health issues as a means to analyze the impact of the crisis on health issues. Moreover, some suggested including the reappearance of several previously extinct diseases and the reason for their come back. Other comments addressed the need to include in the draft the reason for any shortfall in attaining the specified indicators.

Session VI

19. The sixth session was chaired by Mr. Ray Virgilio Torres, UNICEF Country Office Representative in Lebanon, who also presented goal 4 of the MDGs which deals with reducing child mortality. Mr. Virgilio Torres gave a brief presentation which included data and figures for some indicators of goal 4. Then he ended the presentation by displaying some prospects of the impact of the global economic crisis.

20. After the presentation, an interactive debate took place whereby the Arab countries and the various

UN and international agencies expressed their views and comments regarding the zero-draft of chapter 6 on goal 4. The participants indicated that there should be a clear assessment of the extent to which the Arab countries have achieved this goal and that this goal should be linked to the fifth goal. Additionally, policies and procedures for implementation should be included in this chapter. Some suggested highlighting Oman’s success story in the chapter as they’ve changed their health system. Other comments indicated the need for this chapter to tackle all the goal 4 indicators and to display data on country level before combining the countries that are at the same level for achieving this goal and proposing the suitable policies for them.

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Session VII

21. The seventh session was chaired by Ms. Muna Idris, UNFPA Assistant Representative in Jordan who introduced Mr. Abdallah Zoubi, Population & Development Regional Advisor, to present goal 5 of the MDGs which deals with improving maternal health. In his presentation Mr. Zoubi started by showing the targets and indicators tackled in goal 5 before he proceeded by providing detailed description of the 2 targets of goal 5. At the end of his presentation Mr. Zoubi related goal 5 to the other MDG indicators and proposed certain recommendations to address goal 5.

22. After the presentation, an interactive debate took place whereby the Arab countries and the various UN and international agencies expressed their views and comments regarding the zero-draft of chapter 7 on goal 5. Most comments regarding goal 5 included the need to update the data incorporated currently in the draft and the need to extract data from national reports. Some proposed linking this goal with MDG 4 and other goals. Others raised concerns regarding the conclusion that this goal will not be attained by 2015 and believed that the analysis should be revised after incorporating data from 1990. Some suggested that there shouldn’t be a link within the indicators of the same goal if the link is not apparent.

Session VIII

23. The eighth session was chaired by Ms. Dena Assaf, UNIFEM Regional Programme Director in Jordan, who introduced Ms. Heba Nassar, UNIFEM Consultant, to present goal 3 of the MDGs which deals with promoting gender equality and empowering women. Ms. Nassar started by showing the current situation in the Arab countries by displaying the various indicators for goal 3 with charts and figures. She continued with the challenges facing the region with regard to attaining this goal and proceeded by characterizing the supporting environment. She ended her presentation by stating the conclusion and some recommendations that should help in achieving MDG 3.

24. After the presentation, an interactive debate took place whereby the Arab countries and the various

UN and international agencies expressed their views and comments regarding the zero-draft of chapter 5 on goal 3. Comments proposed included the need to incorporate more years when displaying the data for each indicator and to cross reference data with other UN reports as this will fill in the missing data. Some participants raised concerns about the data used as some figures don’t match national reports. More suggestions included restating all the charts provided in the chapter according to gender. Others commented on the need to provide more analysis on the findings and on regional disparities. Also, some suggested that the political situation of women should be highlighted as being sensitive.

Session IX

25. The ninth session was chaired by Ms. Carol Chouchani Cherfane, Chief of Water Resources Section in the Sustainable Development and Productivity Division at ESCWA, who also presented goal 7 of the MDGs which focuses on ensuring environmental sustainability. In her presentation Ms. Cherfane commented on each target included in goal 7 by stating facts and figures regarding the displayed target and by mentioning the major challenges that might hinder the Arab countries’ ability to reach the specified targets. Ms. Cherfane ended her presentation by proposing specific indicators that should help in analyzing the environmental sustainability in the Arab region.

26. After the presentation, an interactive debate took place whereby the Arab countries and the various UN and international agencies expressed their views and comments regarding the zero-draft for chapter 9 on goal 7. Some participants proposed that the draft should give a significant weight to the effects of wars in the Arab region on the environment. Also, some experts commented that the

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impact of the financial crisis on the environment and on the climate was not clearly specified in the draft. Other suggestions included studying whether the Arab region possesses enough water for serving its population. More suggestions included the need to link MDG 7 with MDG 4.

Session X

27. The tenth session was chaired by Ms. Nada Al-Nashif, Regional Director of the ILO Regional Office for Arab States in Beirut, who introduced Ms. Maya Dah, Research Assistant at Economic Development and Globalization Division in ESCWA, to present goal 8 of the MDGs which deals with developing a global partnership for development. The presentation focused on showing the initial findings for the various MDG indicators included in goal 8. Parts covered in the presentation included: Official Development Assistance( ODA), Market Access, Debt Sustainability and Information and Communications Technology. At the end of the presentation, some recommendations were proposed to help attain goal 8.

28. After the presentation, an interactive debate took place whereby the Arab countries and the various UN and international agencies expressed their views and comments regarding the zero-draft of chapter 10 on goal 8. Some proposed that the draft should raise the issue of the low ODA allocation from Donor countries to the Arab region and should highlight the intra-regional distribution of ODA. Other suggested that this chapter should shed light on the need to establish partnerships between Arab countries at the regional and sub-regional level. In addition to these comments, some experts believed that the chapter should not give an excessive weight to the ODA part and should address other parts included in goal 8 such as trade services and ICT.

Session XI

29. The eleventh session was chaired by Mr. Ibrahim El-Souri, Director, Development and Social Policies Department at the League of Arab States (LAS), who introduced Mr. Adib Nehmeh, Regional Advisor on Social Statistics at ESCWA to present zero-draft chapter 11 on the summary of conclusions and recommendations of the report. Mr. Nehmeh presented his comments and recommendations on the zero-draft chapters on the various goals along with comments and recommendations proposed by the participants during the previous sessions of the EGM on the respective MDGs.

30. After the presentation, an interactive debate took place whereby the Arab countries and the various

UN and international agencies expressed their views and comments regarding this presentation. During the discussion, some participants proposed the participation of experts from governments in drafting the report. Other comments included the need to agree on an acceptable classification for the Arab countries. Some suggestions involved including the political crisis and its effects in the report in addition to a discussion on the general implications of the various crises facing the region.

Session XII

31. The twelfth session was chaired by Mr. Albagir Adam who introduced Mr. Juraj Riecan, Chief of Statistic Division at ESCWA, to give a presentation on the status of MDG statistics on the various indicators for the Arab countries. In his presentation, Mr. Riecan went through the different MDGs one at a time. He stated each goal with its specified targets and corresponding indicators before proceeding by displaying a graph showing the percent of data availability for each indicator across the four Arab sub-regions, i.e., Arab Maghreb, Arab Mashreq, Gulf Cooperation Council Countries (GCC) and Least Developing Countries (LDCs).

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32. After the presentation, an interactive debate took place whereby the Arab countries and the various UN and international agencies expressed their views and comments regarding this presentation. Some participants suggested that the UN agencies should integrate and share data among each other. Other participants asked whether ESCWA can help support countries by guiding them to which agencies to refer to in accessing data. Additional comments stressed on the role of UN agencies in building statistical capacity among the Arab countries and on the important role UN agencies can play in cooperating with the ministries to gather data and to measure the indicators according to a specific methodology.

33. At the end of each of the 12 sessions, the speakers commented on the discussions that took place and

expressed their appreciation for the interactive debate and indicated that the comments proposed will be studied and taken into consideration while writing the revised zero-draft chapters by the respective lead agencies.

V. OPENING OF THE MEETING

34. The opening session was chaired by Ms. Anhar Hijazi, Director of Sustainable Development and Productivity Division, ESCWA, who introduced Mr. Ibrahim El-Souri, Director of Development and Social Policies Department, LAS, to present the League of Arab States statement in this meeting.

35. Mr. El-Souri delivered the LAS statement. Mr. El-Souri started his speech by stressing on the importance of the cooperation taking place between the LAS and the UN agencies in various development aspects in the region. He continued by stating that the attainment of the MDGs remains a major challenge facing the Arab region. Despite the significant progress in achieving some MDG indicators, the Arab countries are facing major development challenges especially after the current financial crisis which might hinder the progress already achieved in certain indicators. But Mr. El-Souri believes that the Arab region still has the chance to achieve the MDGs if it receives the necessary help from the developed nations and from some Arab countries that made significant improvement in achieving the MDGs. At the end of his speech, Mr. El Souri reemphasized on the importance of the continuous cooperation between the LAS and the UN agencies especially for preparing for the high level UN meeting in September 2010 and finally he expressed his gratitude for the efforts done for achieving development progress in the Arab region.

36. Afterwards, Ms. Hijazi delivered the ESCWA opening speech on behalf of Mr. Badr Al Dafa, the

Executive Secretary of ESCWA. After greeting the participants and welcoming them in Beirut, Ms. Hijazi stated that this gathering is held to give each lead agency the chance to present its chapter and then discuss it and receive comments from the representatives of the Arab countries and the different UN and international agencies. She added that the Arab region is achieving weak progress in the attainment of the MDGs due to several factors including the different crises and in particular the current financial and economic crisis. Ms. Hijazi also stressed on the need to agree on a timetable for the production and launching of the Arab MDGs Report 2010 by May 2010. She ended by wishing the participants a fruitful and successful meeting.

VI. CLOSING OF THE MEETING

37. In the closing session, the participants requested ESCWA to prepare the draft report of the meeting and send it via e-mail to the participants for follow-up and action.

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Annex 1

Agenda of the EGM on Arab MDGs Report 2010

Wednesday, 9 December 2009 8:00 - 9:00 Registration of participants 9:00 - 9:15 Opening Session

Mr. Badr Omar AlDafa, Executive Secretary, UNESCWA

Mr. Ibrahim El-Souri, League of Arab States

9:15 - 10:45 Session One: Introduction to the Expert Group Meeting (EGM) and its

Objectives

Chair: Mr. Albagir Adam, UNESCWA

• Presentation: Introduction to the EGM and Background Information, Mr. Nabil Safwat, UNESCWA (20 min)

• Presentation: Arab MDGs Issues: Informal Review, Ms. Maisaa Youssef, UNESCWA (15 min)

• Interactive Discussion (55 min) 10:45 - 11:00 Coffee Break 11:00 - 12:00 Session Two: Review and Discussion of Chapter II of the Arab MDGs

Report 2010

Chair: Mr. Roberto Laurenti, UNESCWA

• Presentation of Chapter 2: The attainment of MDGs in the Arab region within the context of the international financial and economic crisis, Mr. Nabil Safwat, UNESCWA (15 min)

• Comments/Views of Arab Countries (15 min)

• Interactive Debate and Recommendations on Chapter 2 (30 min) 12:00 - 13:00 Session Three: Review and Discussion of Chapter III on Goal 1

Chair: Ms. Mona Hammam, UNDP

• Presentation of Chapter 3 on Goal 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, Mr. Khaled Abu Ismail, UNDP (15 min)

• Comments/Views of Arab Countries (15 min)

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• Interactive Debate and Recommendations on Chapter 3 (30 min)

13:00 - 14:00 Session Four: Review and Discussion of Chapter IV on Goal 2

Chair: Mr. Hegazi Idris, UNESCO

• Presentation of Chapter 4 on Goal 2: Achieve universal primary education. Mr.

Hegazi Idris, UNESCO (15 min)

• Comments/Views of Arab Countries: (15 min)

• Interactive Debate and Recommendations on Chapter 4 (30 min)

14:00 - 15:00 Lunch Break (Hosted by UNESCWA)

15:00 - 16:00 Session Five: Review and Discussion of Chapter VIII on Goal 6

Chair: Mr. Mohamed Ali, WHO • Presentation on Chapter 8 on Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other

diseases, Mr. Mohamed Ali, WHO and/or UNAIDS (15 min)

• Comments/Views of Arab Countries (15 min)

• Interactive Debate and Recommendations on Chapter 8 (30 min) 16:00 - 17:00 Session Six: Review and Discussion of Chapter VI on Goal 4

Chair: Mr. Ray Virgilio Torres, UNICEF

• Presentation of Chapter 6 on Goal 4: Reduce child mortality, Mr. Ray Virgilio Torres, UNICEF (15 min)

• Comments/Views of Arab Countries (15 min)

• Interactive Debate and Recommendations on Chapter 6 (30 min)

THURSDAY, 10 DECEMBER 2009 9:00 - 10:00 Session Seven: Review and Discussion of Chapter VII on Goal 5

Chair: Ms. Mona Idris, UNFPA

• Presentation on Chapter 6 on Goal 4: Improve maternal health, Mr. Abdallah Abdelaziz Zoubi, UNFPA (15 min)

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• Comments/Views of Arab Countries (15 min)

• Interactive Debate and Recommendations on Chapter 7 (30 min) 10:00 - 11:00 Session Eight: Review and Discussion of Chapter V on Goal 3

Chair: Ms. Dena Assaf, UNIFEM

• Presentation of Chapter 5 on Goal 3: Promote gender equality and empower women, Ms. Heba Nassar, UNIFEM (15 min)

• Comments/Views of Arab Countries (15 min)

• Interactive Debate and Recommendations on Chapter 5 (30 min)

11:00 - 11:30 Coffee Break 11:30 - 12:30 Session Nine: Review and Discussion of Chapter IX on Goal 7

Chair: Ms. Carol Chouchani Cherfane, UNESCWA

• Presentation on Chapter 9 on Goal 7: Ensure environmental sustainability, Ms. Carol Chouchani Cherfane, UNESCWA (15 min)

• Comments/Views of Arab Countries (15 min)

• Interactive Debate and Recommendations on Chapter 9 (30 min)

12:30 - 13:30 Session Ten: Review and Discussion of Chapter X on Goal 8

Chair: Ms. Nada Al-Nashif, ILO

• Presentation on Chapter 10 on Goal 8: Develop a global partnership for development, Ms. Maya Dah, UNESCWA (15 min)

• Comments/Views of Arab Countries: (15 min)

• Interactive Debate and Recommendations on Chapter 10 (30 min)

13:30 - 14:30 Lunch Break (Hosted by UNESCWA)

14:30 - 16:00 Session Eleven: Review and Discussion of Chapter XI: Summary of

conclusions and recommendations

Chair: Mr. Ibrahim El-Souri, LAS

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• Presentation on Chapter 11: Summary of conclusions and recommendations, Mr. Adib Nehmeh, UNESCWA (15 min)

• Comments/Views of Arab Countries: (30 min)

• Interactive Debate and Recommendations on Chapter 11 (30 min)

16:00 - 17:00 Session Twelve: Status of MDGs Statistics in the Arab Region

Chair: Mr. Albagir Adam, UNESCWA

• Presentation: Mr. Juraj Riecan, UNESCWA (15 min)

• Comments/Views of Arab Countries: (15 min)

• Interactive Debate and Recommendations on Chapter 11 (30 min)

FRIDAY, 11 DECEMBER 2009

9:00 - 11:00 Session Thirteen: 2nd Meeting of the Thematic Working Group on Arab

MDGs with the participation of Arab Countries, Experts of the EGM and ESCWA Task Force on the MDG Report 2010

Way Forward: Part I: Decisions/Recommendations of the EGM including the timetable of the remaining actions toward the production of LAS-UN Arab MDGs Report 2010

Way Forward: Part II: Beyond the Arab MDGs Report 2010

Chair: Mr. Nabil Safwat, UNESCWA

11:00 - 13:00 Coffee Break

13:00 - 14:00 Meeting of the Drafting Group of the Arab MDGs Report 2010, with the participation of Arab Countries

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Annex1

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

Arab Country Representatives Algeria Mr. Alwanas Laawag Diplomatic Consultant Embassy of Algeria Beirut, Lebanon Adnan Al-Hakim St., Jinah Tel.: 961-1-826712 Mobile: 961-3-117239 Fax: 961-1-826711 E-mail: [email protected] Bahrain Ms. Jameela Abdulla Al Kooheji Director of Public and International Relations Directorate Ministry of Socail Development P.O.Box: 32868 Manama Tel.: 973-17101900 Mobile: 973-36070000 Fax: 973-17104883 E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Mr. Abdul Ghani Saleh AlShwaikeh Director of Organizations and Commission Affairs Ministry of Education P.O.Box: 43 Manam, Kingdom of Bahrain Tel.: 973-17873459 Mobile: 973-39966153 Fax: 973-17873491 E-mail: [email protected] Ms. Duaa Sultan Mohd. Alharban Head, Demograhpic and Social Statistics General Directoriate of Statistics P.O.Box: 33305, ISA Town, Bahrain Tel.: 973-17878127 Mobile: 973-39950099 Fax: 973-17878119 Email: [email protected] [email protected]

Mr. Fawzi Abdalla Amin Assistant Undersecretary for Training & Planning Ministry of Health P.O.Box: 22118 Manama Tel.: 973-17286040 Mobile: 973-39461345 Fax: 973-17286641 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.health.gov.bh Mr. Fawaz Ahmad AlShrooki Chief of Information Ministry of Education Directorate of Public Relations and Information P.O.Box: 203 Ministry of Education, Manama Mr. Yousif Ahmad Al-Hamadan Head of Students Group Chief Editor of the Educational Newspaper P.O.Box: Tel.: 973-39208777 Fax: 97317680172 E-mail: [email protected] Djibouti Mr. Ali Abdallah Hassan Counselor of Minister of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs Djibouti P.O. Box 488 Tel : 00253 81 16 60 Fax : 00253 35 83 68 E-mail : [email protected] Egypt Mr. Bassem Khalil Deputy Assistant Foreign Minister for International and Cooperation Development Ministry of foreign Minister Tel.: 20225749854 Mobile: 201-23408820 Fax: 20225749622 E-mail: [email protected]

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Iraq Mr. Qasim Abdulbaqi Embassador Ministry of Foreign Affairs Baghdad Central Informatices Organization Mobile: 7901107614-9641 E-mail: [email protected] Jordan Mr. Tayseer Al-Noaimi UNFPA Consultant P.O. Box: 2030 Amman, Jordan 1141 Amman, Jordan Tel.: 962-6-5850322 Mobile: 9076400-79-962 Fax: 962-6-5850159 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.mobadarat.org Mr. Ziad Obeidat Head of National Team for the MDG Report Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation Tel: 962-64657866 Mobile: 00962-777774026 P.O. Box: 555 Amman 11118 Fax: 962-6-4649341 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.mop.gov.jo Mr. Bassem Kanaan Head of Monitoring Division Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation Amman, Jordan Tel: 00962-777-484763 E-mail: [email protected] Lebanon Ms. Amal Karaki Senior Social Development Specialist Council for Development and Reconstruction (CDR) Tallet El-Serail, Riyadh El Solh Square Tel.: +961-1-980096/7 Ext.569 Mobile: +961-3-298 799 Fax: +961-1-981 252/3 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.cdr.gov.lb

Ms. Kawthar Ali Dara Project Manager Council for Development and Reconstruction (CDR) UNDP/CDR Support to the achievement of the Implementation of the MDGs Project Tallet El-Serail, Riyadh El Solh Square Tel.: 961-1-980096 Mobile: 961-3-614098 Fax: 961-1-981252/13 E-mail: [email protected] Mr. Aiman F. Mackie Senior Trade Specialist UNDP Project Ministry of Economy and Trade Lazarieh Bldg., Block 02B. 6th floor Tel: 961-1-982294 ext. 1611 Mobile: Fax: 961-1982297 E-Mail: amackie@economy,gov.lb Ms. Hana Anouti Economist Ministry of Economy and Trade Tel.: 961-1-982294 ext.:1610 Fax: 961-1-982297 E-mail: [email protected] Ms. Sawsan Masri Project Manager Capacity Building for Poverty Reduction Ministry of Social Affairs Tel: 961-1-388122 Fax: 961-1-388122 E-Mail: [email protected] Ms. Rahaf Nabbouh Legal Officer/ UNDP Ministry of Finance Tel: 009611981058 Fax: 009611981059 Mobile: 009613353494 E-mail: [email protected] Ms. Nisrine Ali Mohamed Senior Economist Ministry of Finance Riad El Solh Square Tel: 961-1-981069 Mobile: 961-3-441277 Fax: 961-1-981069 E-Mail: [email protected]

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Republique Islamique de Mauritanie Mr. Mohamdi Ould Maloumi Technical Consultant Ministry of Economic Affairs and Development Tel: 222-5253080 Mobile: 222-2001900 E-Mail: [email protected] Mr. Moulai Idriss Aqiq Coordinator CSLP Ministry of Economic Affairs and Development Tel: 222-3153616 Fax: 222-5294819 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.cslp.mr Palestine Mr. Yasser Shalabi National Program Manager Public Sector Development Program Ministry of Planning & Administrative Development Al Masyoun, Ramallah Mobile: W - 0598 043205, P - 0599 317417 Office: 02- 2956114- 02- 2973017 Fax: 02- 2956113 E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Syria Mr. Refaat Hejazi Director of Human Development General State Planning Commission Damascus Tel: 963-115161072 Mobile: 963-988097040 Fax: 963-11-5161072 E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Yemen Mr. Abdel Kafi Mohamad Omar Ministry of International Cooperation Tel: 967-1- 250118 Mobile: 967-77961639 Fax: 967-1-250665 E-mail: [email protected]

UNITED NATIONS PROGRAMMES AND BODIES United Nations Development Programme Ms. Mona Hamam UNDP Deputy Assistant Administrator Deputy Regional Director for Arab States Director of Regional Centre for Arab States (UNDP-RBAS), Cairo Mobile: 20100773429 E-mail: [email protected] Mr. Khalid Fouad Abu-Ismail Member MDG, Poverty and Economics Adviser UNDP Regional Centre for Arab States (UNDP-RBAS), Cairo Mobile: 002010 4718594 E-mail: [email protected] Ms. Heba El-Laithy Consultant United Nations Development Programme Professor, Cairo University Martyr Helmy Kamal St. Heliopolis, Cairo Tel.: 202-26331943 Mobile: 2010-1767851 Fax: 202-35711020 E-mail: [email protected] United Nations Population Fund Ms. Muna Mohammad Idris UNFPA Assistant Representative Amman, Jordan Tel.: 962-6-5300499 Mobile: 962-79-6344411 Fax: 962-6-5340782 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.unfpa.org Mr. Abdallah Abdelaziz Zoubi Member, Population & Development Regional Advisor UNFPA Regional Office for Arab States, Cairo, El Maadi Mobile: 201-66636429 E-mail: [email protected] United Nations Joint Programmes on HIV/AIDS Mr. Hamidreza Setayesh Regional Programme Adviser Regional Support Team for the Middle East & North Africa (UNAIDS RST MENA) P.O. Box: 7608 Nasr City, Cairo 11371 Egypt

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Abdel Razzak Al-Sanhouri St. Nasr City, 11371, Cairo, Egypt Tel.: 202-22765397 Fax: 202-22765427 Mobile: 20-1-08556813 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.unaids.org United Nations Children’s Fund Mr. Ray Virgilio Torres UNICEF Representative Lebanon Country Office UNICEF House, Yamout Street, Hamra P.O. Box: Ras Beirut, 11-5902, Beirut, Lebanon Tel.: 961-1-756110 Mobile: Fax: 961-1-756110 E-mail: [email protected] Mr. Marwan Youssef Husseiki Wash Focal Point UNICEF House, Yamout Street, Hamra P.O. Box: Ras Beirut, 11-5902, Beirut, Lebanon Tel.: 961-1-756101 Mobile: 961-70-902315 E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] United Nations Development Fund for Women Ms. Dena Assaf Regional Programme Director Arab State Regional Office (ASRO-UNIFEM) P.O. Box: 830896 Amman, 11183, Jordan Tel.: 962-6-5200060 ext.: 1000 Fax: 962-6-5678594 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.unifem.org.jo Ms. Shirin Shukri Programme Manager Arab Sub-Region Office, (ASRO-UNIFEM) P.O. Box: 830896 Amman, 11183, Jordan Tel.: 962-6-5200060 ext.:1005 Fax: 962-6-5678594 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.unifem.org.jo Ms. Heba Nassar Professor of Economics Vice President, Cairo University Tel.: 35676105-35728237

Mobile: 20-12-2183876 Fax: 35727676 E-mail: [email protected] UNITED NATIONS SPECIALIZED AGENCIES International Labour Organization Ms. Nada Al-Nashif Regional Director Regional Office for Arab States Aresco Center 11th Floor Beirut, Lebanon Tel.: 00961-1-752 404 Fax: 00961-1-752 405 E-mail: [email protected] Ms. Shaza Ghaleb Al-Jondi Member, UN-Reform Programme Analyst Regional Office for Arab States Aresco Center 11th Floor Beirut, Lebanon Tel.: 00961-1-752 400 Ext.: 123 Mobile: 00961-70-598964 Fax: 00961-1-752 405 E-mail: [email protected] International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Ms. Nefertiti Mohamed Ali Head of Delegation, Senior Advisor ITU Arab Regional Office Smart village, 6th of October Governorate,147-B Tel.: 202-35371777 Mobile: 201-77955900 Fax: 202-35371888 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.itu.int/itu-D/arb/ United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Mr. Hejazi Idriss Regional Consultant Regional Bureau UNESCO Cité Sportive Beirut, Lebanon Tel.: 00961-1-850 013/4/5 Mobile: Fax: 00961-1-824 854 E-mail: [email protected]

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World Health Organization Mr.Mohamed Mahmoud Ali Member, Regional Adviser Evidence, Based, Health Situation & Trend Assessment Division of Health Systems and Services Development (WHO EMRO) Abdul Razzak Al-Sanhouri St. P.O. Box: 7608 Nasr City Cairo, 11371 Egypt Tel.: 202-22765363 Mobile: 2016-8826015 Fax: 202-22765416 E-mail: [email protected] REGIONAL ORGANIZATIONS League of Arab States Mr. Ibrahim Gaafar El-Souri Director, Development and Social Policies Department League of Arab States Bldg. Tahrir Square, Cairo, Egypt Tel.: 202-33357853 Mobile: 20-12-3930374 Fax: 202-37612984 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.arableagueonline.org Mr. Tarek Nabil El-Nabulsi Head of Social Committee Division for Arab, ECOSOC League of Arab States Bldg. Tahrir Square, Cairo, Egypt Tel.: 00202-33357853 Mobile: 202-0122144604 Fax: 00202- 37612984 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.arableagueonline.org Other Experts Consultants Ms. Amal Yehya Shebaro Head of Public Debt Unit Ministry of Finance Riad El Solh Square Tel.: 961-1-642769 Mobile: 961-3-490667 Fax: 961-1-642769 E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]

Ms. Sophie Maarouf Zaza Legal Consultant Najem Law Firm Sin El-Fil, Naaom Labaki St. Tel.: 961-1-480019 Mobile: 961-3-217882 Fax: 961-1-315317 E-mail: [email protected] UN Regional Commissions Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) Ms. Anhar Hejazi, Chief Sustainable Development and Productivity Division Un House, Riadh El-Solh Beirut, Lebanon Tel: 961 1 978502 Fax: 961 1 981510 Mr. Juraj Recan Chief, Statistic Division UN-House, P.O.Box: 11-8575 Riad El Solh Square Beirut, Lebanon Tel.: 961-1-978351 Fax: 961-1-981510 E-mail: [email protected]

Mr. Nabil Safwat Convener of TWG on Arab MDGs Chief Economic Development and Globalization Division Un House, Riadh El-Solh Beirut, Lebanon Tel: 961 1 978438 Fax: 961 1 981510 EE-mail: [email protected] Mr. Roberto Laurernti Chief, Programme and Planning Technical Cooperation Division Riad El-Solh, UN-House Beirut, Lebanon Tel.: 961-1978818 Fax: 961-1-981510

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Mr. Albagir Adam Secretary of the Commission Riad El-Solh, UN-House Beirut, Lebanon Tel.: 961-1-978 Mobile: Fax: 961-1-981510 E-mail: [email protected] Ms. Ramla Khalidi First Social Affairs Officer Social Development Division Riad El-Solh, UN-House Beirut, Lebanon Tel.: 961-1-978419 Mobile: 961-3-861135 Fax: 961-1-981521 E-mail: [email protected] Ms. Roula Majdalani Chief, Technical Cooperation Division Riad El-Solh, UN-House Beirut, Lebanon Tel.: 961-1-978825 Mobile: Fax: 961-1-981510 E-mail: [email protected] Ms. Carol Chouchani Cherfane Chief, Water Resources Section Sustainable Development and Productivity Division Riad El-Solh, UN-House Beirut, Lebanon Tel.: 961-1-981301 Mobile: 961-3-769466 Fax: 961-1-981510 E-mail: [email protected] Ms. Maha Yaha Regional Advisor Social Policy Riad El-Solh, UN-House Beirut, Lebanon Tel.: 961-1-978400 Mobile: Fax: 961-1-981510 E-mail: [email protected] Mr. Adib Nehmeh Regional Advisor Social Statistics Statistics Division Riad El-Solh, UN-House Beirut, Lebanon Tel.: 961-1-978337

Mobile: 961-3-566978 Fax: 961-1-981510 E-mail: [email protected] Ms. Aida Abu Ras Regional Advisor Centre for Women Riad El-Solh, UN-House Beirut-Lebanon Tel: 961-1-978734 Fax: 961-1-981510 Mr. Tarek M. Sadek Water and Environment Officer Sustainable Development and Productivity Division P.O. Box: 11-8575 Beirut, Lebanon Tel.: 961-1-978520 Mobile: 961-70-824432 Fax: 961-1-981510 E-mail: [email protected] Mr. Georges Younes First ICT Officer Information and Communication Technology Division Riad El Solh Square Beirut, Lebanon P.O. Box: 11-8575 Tel.: 961-1-978554 Fax: 961-1-981510 E-mail: [email protected] Ms. Rania Al Jazairi Social Affairs Officer Centre for Women Riad El-Solh, UN-House Beirut-Lebanon Tel: 961-1-978755 Cell: 961-3-815158 Fax: 961-1-981510 E-mail: [email protected] Mr. Fidele Byiringiro Economic Affairs Officer Sustainable Development and Productivity Division Riad El Solh Square P.O. Box: 11-8575 Beirut, Lebanon Tel.: 961-1-978519 Mobile: 961-70-870752 E-mail: [email protected]

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Ms. Maisaa Youssef Coordinator of the RCM Riad El-Solh, UN-House Beirut, Lebanon Tel.: 961-1-978810 Mobile: 961-70-386306 Fax: 961-1-981510 E-mail: [email protected] Ms. Mona Fattah Research Assitant Economic Development and Globalizatio Division UN House, Riadh El-Solh Bierut, Lebanon Tel: 961 1 978438 Fax: 961 1 981510 E-mail: [email protected] Ms. Dina Karanouh Research Assistant Economic Development and Globalization Division UN House, Riadh El-Solh Beirut, Lebanon Tel: 961 1 978450 Fax: 961 1 981510 E-mail: [email protected] Ms. Maya Dah Research Assistant Economic Development and Globalization Division UN House, Riadh El-Solh Beirut, Lebanon Tel: 961 1 978449 Fax: 961 1 981510 E-mail: [email protected] Ms. Christine Rouhana Research Assistant Economic Development and Globalization Division UN House, Riadh El-Solh Beirut, Lebanon Tel: 961 1 978428 Fax: 961 1 981510

Ms. Siham El Sabeh Staff Assistant Economic Development and Globalizatio Division UN House, Riadh El-Solh Beirut, Lebanon Tel: 961 1 978465 Fax: 961 1 981510 E-mail: [email protected] Ms. Nada Al-Chahal Research Assistant Economic Development and Globalization Division UN House, Riadh El-Solh Beirut, Lebanon Tel: 961 1 978443 Fax: 961 1 981510 E-mail: [email protected]