The Acting Chair ruled that evidence of financial contributions transferred to the Commission, but which have not yet cleared the Commission?s bank account, is sufficient to restore voting rights for the purpose of IWC69.
The Acting Chair ruled that Rule of Procedure F.5(f), which refers to payment plans for Contracting Governments in arrears for three years or more, can be applied for IWC69 to three Contracting Governments with two years of arrears which have paid most of their arrears but still have a small amount to pay related to interest, exchange rates and such matters. Once payment plans are signed, voting rights can be restored.
The Acting Chair ruled that Rule of Procedure F.5(e) will not apply for the duration of IWC69, so that Contracting Governments in arrears for three years or more would be able to participate in IWC69 without paying the fees of Non-Member Government Observers, recognising that they do not have voting rights.
