Article 32 Settlement of differences on the interpretation or application of the present Agreement

All differences arising out of the interpretation or application of the present Agreement between two or more States Parties or between the Court and a State Party shall be settled by consultation, negotiation or other agreed mode of settlement.

If the difference is not settled in accordance with paragraph 1 of this article within three months following a written request by one of the parties to the difference, it shall, at the request of either party, be referred to an arbitral tribunal according to the procedure set forth in paragraphs 3 to 6 of this article.

The arbitral tribunal shall be composed of three members: one to be chosen by each party to the difference and the third, who shall be the chairman of the tribunal, to be chosen by the other two members. If either party has failed to make its appointment of a member of the tribunal within two months of the appointment of a member by the other party, that other party may invite the President of the International Court of Justice to make such appointment. Should the first two members fail to agree upon the appointment of the chairman of the tribunal within two months following their appointment, either party may invite the President of the International Court of Justice to choose the chairman.

Unless the parties to the difference otherwise agree, the arbitral tribunal shall determine its own procedure and the expenses shall be borne by the parties as assessed by the tribunal.

The arbitral tribunal, which shall decide by a majority of votes, shall reach a decision on the difference on the basis of the provisions of the present Agreement and the applicable rules of international law. The decision of the arbitral tribunal shall be final and binding on the parties to the difference.

The decision of the arbitral tribunal shall be communicated to the parties to the difference, to the Registrar and to the Secretary-General.