A
5
1
21.
It is essential to recall that signature of either the joint instrument or the individual instrument of acceptance must be done by an authority endowed with the inherent power to bind the State in such matters, for example, the Minister of Agriculture.
22.
Since Article IX.5 of the Agreement provides specifically that the "instruments of acceptance of amendments shall be deposited with the Director-General of the Organization", it is necessary that this legal requirement be met. Therefore, the resolution must be completed by the signature of either a collective or an individual instrument of acceptance. It would be in conformity with the spirit of the action taken by the last FAO Conference if at least nine additional Contracting Governments could:
either deposit an instrument of acceptance prior to the Regional Conference; or
23.
sign the joint instrument of acceptance or an individual instrument of acceptance at the Regional Conference.
If the means described above were followed, the Regional Conference would mark the occasion at which China was brought into the Agreement as a full member.
13
As provided for in Rule XXI.4 of the General Rules of the Organization.