"This is a diplomatic proceeding," said Lapointe. "Gutter tactics, ad hominum attacks, and absurd accusations have no place in the proceedings of a global treaty organization. " 

The opening statements of the Eastern Caribbean Coalition for Environmental Awareness and the International Wildlife Coalition accused several nations of allowing financial involvements to influence voting patterns, and complicity in illegal acts including bombing whale-watching vessels. IWC proceedings came to a halt for part of two days as the commissioners went into closed-door session to decide on a response to calls for ouster of the two groups responsible for the statements. 

This morning Michael Canny, Chairman of the IWC, announced that the commissioners voted to ask ECCEA and International Wildlife Coalition to withdraw their statements and apologize to the nations targeted. A spokesperson for ECCEA said there was no malicious intent on their part and that they would issue a clarification. At this time, the International Wildlife Coalition has not responded although they are attending the IWC meeting. 

Lapointe said, "The reason this sort of antic is inappropriate is because it heightens the sense of polarity and brings an effective end to discussion. IWC is a group of professionals trying to do business by consensus as much as possible. This creates unacceptable tension, fear, and distrust." 

Other NGOs observing the proceedings seem to share this view. Janice Henke, President of a conservation consulting firm, remarked that, "…this sort of dogma is infectious. Extremist NGOs spout rhetoric in their fund-raising publications but do not seem to be able to distinguish this sort of preaching from the rational discourse expected in a body such as IWC. Allowing such a rant to become part of the official transcript of the proceedings makes a mockery of every nation participating in IWC." 

The timing of the controversy is especially appropriate says Lapointe because it comes at a time when the IWC is debating whether or not to allow the use of secret ballots for voting on some issues. "This demonstrates the sort of blackmail smaller nations face from NGOs," said Lapointe. "There could not have been a clearer example of the fact that a secret ballot is the only way for the IWC to remain a democratic body."�