CM/Res. 539 (XXVIII)
RESOLUTION ON THE LAW OF THE SEA
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of Africa Unity, meeting in its Twenty- Eight Ordinary Session in Lome, Togo, from 21 to 28 February 1977.
Having taken note of the interim Report of the Administrative Secretary-General (Document CM/804 (XXVIII),
Noting that the differences existing between coastal and land-locked or the geographically disadvantaged States constitute a serious obstacle to the effectiveness of the African stand,
Considering the imperative need to strengthen the unity of action in Africa at the next session of the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea,
Recalling the relevant Resolution CM/Res. 514 (XXVII) adopted by the Heads of State and Government in Mauritius,
EXPRESSES satisfaction with the work done by the General Secretariat and urges it to continue its efforts towards harmonizing the stand of the whole African Group at that Conference;
APPROVES the decision of the African Group at the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea to hold a meeting of African Experts before the sixth session;
To this end CALLS ON the Advisory Committee on Budgetary and Financial Matters to release the necessary funds for organizing this preparatory meeting;
REITERATES its approval to all African countries to present a united front at the Sixth Session of the Conference;
APPEALS to all Member States to make available to this Conference competent and qualified experts;
RECOMMENDS EARNESTLY that the Administrative Secretary-General of the OAU send a team from the Secretariat to follow, under the best condition, the negotiations at the Sixth Session, which will be held in New York in May 1977.