Secretary General of Cites, John Scanlon, explained that the deadline was real.

BBC: ��Gang of eight�� on ivory probation

Rebel militia groups in Africa are cashing in on demand for elephants, tigers and rhinos to fund civil conflicts, said John Scanlon, secretary general of Cites, the organisation that governs the trade in endangered species.

BBC: Wildlife crime profound threat to nations, says report

"We know he has been bad on the issues, but the point is, if you don't elect the Zack Spaces of the world then you end up with Speaker Boehner, " said Mr. Scanlon, referring to Rep. John Boehner of Ohio, who is a leading candidate to become Speaker of the House if the Republicans take the majority.

WSJ: Public-Employees Union Is Now Campaign's Big Spender