IWC 63 Even later on Thursday afternoon
18.02
A sudden outbreak of nothing occurs. The rumours are now rife around the corridors. Some believe that we will work until midnight. Others suggest that a special message is being crafted by a small group that will explain the status of the South Atlantic Santuary and how to conclude the meeting. The Chairman and Executive Secretary are currently sitting in the outer atrium surrounded by friends and sipping drinks. Many delegates have already left and will be reading this from airports and ferries as the make their ways home.
The remaining NGOs are wandering around listlessly lobbying each other. Similarly the remaining journalists (bored with the NGOs)are interviewing each other, themselves and even the flower arrangements. In the coffee areas, the huge coffin-like wooden boxes that are used to transport the essential items of Secretariat equipment are already being prepared. To the left of main stage in a largely empty great hall sits a mysterious draped item about six foot high. What is its purpose? Is it the next Chairman of the IWC? Will all be revealed? Only time may tell.
Apparently the small group now consists of Brazil, Argentina, Iceland and someone else.....
The gentlemen of Greenpeace
Niki Entrup of WDCS
The Ladies of AWI and Andy Ottaway of Campaign Whale
Else of Belgium (Argentina), Vanesa Tossenberger, and Roxana Schteinbarg
James Gray and Luke Warwick of the UK delegation
Whale-friendly Norwegians: Tanya and Linda
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