the consistency in messaging and cooperationin strategies the better able the IPs and minorities' focused mandates are to be. Second, in relaiton to paragraph 8 it would be appropriate to consider also the means by which the declaration on the rights of persons belonging to minorities also promotes the realisation of principles contained in treaties, agreements and other constructive arragements between IPs and states. Together with the UN treaties and declarations already mentioned therein indigenous agreements with states can provide a framework for the promotion and protection of the rigths of persons beloning to minorities. Third, and in relation to paragraph 8 and 15 the declaration on the rights of persons belonging to minorities should be portrayed as a tool to promote the realisation of human rights prinicples contained in regional human rights instruments such as the American Declarationon the Rights and Duties of Man. The Inter-American huamn rights system has been a tremendously powerful tool in attempts by IPs to secure their realisation of their rights. Often the basis of syngeries between the declaration on the rights of IPs and rights and duties expressed in the American human rights instruments, a similar potential no doubt existed for the implementation of the rights of persons belonging to minorities. Madam Chair I have several other comments on the specific paragraphs, but I would like to conclude finally with paragrah 58, the expert mechanism would appreicate the opportunity to discuss with independent expert and forum participants the ways in which it might incorporate minorities issues in its annual workplan. In closing I would like to again reiterate the importance for UN mandates focused on minorities and IPs to work together into the future in the interests of promoting and protecting the rights and freedoms of both and our ongoing willingness to work with the forum and the independent expert at their request. Thank you very much.