}
CONFIDENTIAL
achieved in relation to the objectives of the Association;
and it enquires in the first instance into disputes over the
implementation or interpretation of the Convention. If it
fails to reach agreement upon an appropriate solution, the
parties can apply to the Arbitration Court.
17. Since the Council does not usually meet more than the
minimum of once a year, the Association Committee (which is
composed of officials, usually of Ambassadorial rank), also
established under the Convention, prepares the work of the
Council and assures continuity of cooperation.
18. The Association Council is required to submit an annual
report to the Parliamentary Conference of the Association,
composed of an equal number of parliamentarians from the
Associated States and members of the European Parliament,
served by a secretariat staffed on a parity basis. The
Conference may adopt resolutions on matters concerning the
Association, although these have no binding force.
19.
The function of the Arbitration Court which was set up
on a parity basis between the two sides, is to settle any
disputes over the interpretation of the application of the
Convention. The Court acts by a majority vote. Its decisions
are binding on the parties to the dispute. As yet no case has
been brought before the Court.
20.
Generally speaking the provisions governing the Association of Dependent Territories are identical with those governing
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/countries