World Bank Statement in Response to Singapore Decision on CSO Access to Annual Meetings

Contact:Amy Stilwell
astilwell@worldbank.org
Tel: (65)81815370

Singapore, September 15, 2006 - “The World Bank was pleased to be informed by the Government of Singapore that it will remove the objections to 22 of the 27 accredited civil society representatives whom they had previously said would be barred from participating in the Annual Meetings.   We are notifying those persons of their change in status. 

“The World Bank still requests that all accredited individuals be permitted to participate, consistent with our Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Singapore, and because open dialogue with civil society is important for the effective operation of our institutions. 

“We continue to urge the Government of Singapore to facilitate entry into the country of all persons accredited to our meetings without delay at the point of entry.”

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