Article 8 Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of the Committee

At the last formal session held in each year, the Committee shall decide on a Chairperson and a Vice-Chairperson for the following year.

The Chairperson shall have the following duties:

(a)

to approve the draft agenda for each formal session or informal meeting;

(b)

to preside at formal sessions or informal meetings;

(c)

to open and close each formal session or informal meeting;

(d)

to submit the draft agenda to the Committee for adoption at the beginning of each formal session or informal meeting;

(e)

to direct discussions and ensure that the procedures specified in the Rules of Procedure and Implementation are observed;

(f)

to invite the Parties to speak;

(g)

to rule on points of order in accordance with the relevant Rules of Procedure and Implementation; and

(h)

to ask questions and announce decisions.

If the Chairperson is absent from all or part of a formal session or an informal meeting, or is temporarily unable to fill the office of Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson shall act as Chairperson. In the absence of the Chairperson and the Vice-Chairperson, the Committee shall appoint a temporary Chairperson.

If, for any reason, the Chairperson is unable to continue to fill the office of Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson shall become Chairperson until the end of the year.