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Notification to the Parties

No. 1998/35 Geneva, 6 August 1998

CONCERNING:

GREECE

Recommendation to suspend trade

 1. Greece became a Party to CITES on 6 January 1993. Since that time, the Secretariat has raised concern about Greece's inability to implement and enforce the Convention because of its failure to adopt the necessary legislation.

2. This concern was discussed at the 31st (March 1994), 36th (February 1996), 37th (December 1996), 38th (June 1997) and 40th (March 1998) meetings of the Standing Committee.

3. At its 40th meeting, the Standing Committee recommended that all Parties suspend the issuance of permits and certificates for trade to Greece and refuse to accept documents issued by Greece from 1 September 1998. The Secretariat was directed to inform all Parties of this recommendation unless it was satisfied that a new adequate law had entered into force or was expected to enter into force by 1 September 1998.

4. Since the 40th meeting of the Standing Committee, the Secretariat has requested the Management Authority of Greece to advise it of any new legislation. No response has been received and the Secretariat has been unable to report any progress to the Standing Committee.

5. The Secretariat therefore informs the Parties hereby that the Standing Committee recommends to all Parties not to issue permits and certificates for trade to Greece and to refuse to accept documents issued by Greece from 1 September 1998 until further notice.