A/HRC/18/36 the session. The European Union stated that, while it was the prerogative of the Chairperson to make concluding remarks, they were not to be seen as the conclusions and recommendations of the Ad Hoc Committee. It added that the remarks were suggestions, since there was no mandate as to the way forward. 97. Morocco agreed with the Chairperson that his concluding remarks be reflected in the final report. Algeria stated that the Chairperson had the prerogative to make concluding remarks which should be reflected in the report of the session. 98. The United States of America expressed its appreciation that the Chairperson had shared his vision as to the way forward and sought clarity about the envisaged consultations and discussion paper, assuming that consultations indicated by the Chairperson would include delegations and reflect a range of views. The Chairperson responded that any consultations would be broad and their outcome would be reflected in a document which would be shared with all. 99. South Africa voiced its concern about consistent challenges to the Chairperson, noting the open and transparent manner of the Chairperson’s approach and stating that his conclusions as Chairperson be placed on the official record of the session. 100. The representative of Pakistan, on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, supported the position of the African Group, noting that the concluding remarks of the Chairperson should not be subject to debate. 101. Greece stated that the Chairperson’s remarks did not enjoy an operational character and questioned the legal bearing of the identified way forward. 102. The European Union noted that it accepted that the Chairperson’s concluding remarks be included in the report of the session adding that it was pleased with the Chairperson’s leadership and skilful guidance which had brought the Ad Hoc Committee out of a deadlock. 103. Nigeria, on behalf of the African Group, noted that the Chairperson had been elected by acclamation, adding that the Ad Hoc Committee could not assume powers which it did not possess and that legal authority was solely vested in the Human Rights Council. 104. Zimbabwe associated itself with the interventions by Nigeria, on behalf of African Group, and Pakistan, on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference. Senegal expressed its appreciation to the Chairperson and supported the intervention made by Nigeria on behalf of the African Group. 105. The delegations of the European Union and the Czech Republic urged for respect among colleagues during sessions of the Ad Hoc Committee. 106. The delegate from Namibia expressed appreciation for and support to the Chairperson and asked that the report be adopted bearing in mind changes made by delegations and the concluding remarks of the Chairperson. Sudan also expressed its support for the Chairperson. 107. The delegate from Austria appealed for constructive negotiations in the “Vienna Spirit” and hoped that the future sessions would take place in this spirit. 108. The Chairperson made final comments. He noted that racism was a difficult and sensitive issue, as witnessed by the reticence of every region except Africa to assume the complex role of Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee. South Africa had taken on that responsibility, but he asked other regions to consider if they were now ready to take on the responsibility of serving as Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee on the Elaboration of Complementary Standards. He had learned from his recent role as Chairperson of the ILO Governing Body of the importance of advance agendas being established, thereby removing 18