Havana, 13th December, 1996

The Ministerial Council:

Articles XIV, item 3, and XV of the Convention establishing the ACS.

1. To take note with satisfaction of the report submitted by the Secretary General, recognizing the work carried out during this stage of institutionalization of the Secretariat.

2. To acknowledge the excellent conditions and facilities provided by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago in its capacity as Host Country for the ACS Secretariat to discharge its duties succesffully.

3. To identify, among others stemming from decisions adopted by the Council, the following work priorities for the Secretariat during 1997:

a) actions contributing to the implementation of the Plan of Action adopted by the Meeting of Heads of State or Government of Port-of-Spain;

b) the consolidation of the Secretariat with regard to financial aspects and human resources;

c) the development of cooperation and the operation of the Special Fund;

d) support for the implementation of the Working Programs of the Special Committees;

e) negotiations with potential Associate Members for the signing of agreements with the Ministerial Council.

4. To provide that these priorities will be reflected in the annual report of the Secretary General to the Ministerial Council and that they will be examined during the Intersessional Preparatory Meeting.

5. To request the Secretary General to conduct a feasibility study for the establishment of an ACS communications system, using the INTERNET, and to report its findings to the first Intersessional Preparatory Meeting. This study should consider potential measures to ensure that all Member countries have access to the above system, particularly those that are not yet able to link up to that network.