International Seabed Authority

1.The agreed allocation of seats on the Council is 10 seats to the African Group, 9 seats to the Asian Group, 8 seats to the Western European and Others Group, 7 seats to the Latin American and Caribbean Group and 3 seats to the Eastern European Group.  Since the total number of seats allocated according to that formula is 37, it is understood that, in accordance with the understanding reached in 1996 (ISBA/A/L.8), each regional group other than the Eastern European Group will relinquish a seat in rotation.  The regional group which relinquishes a seat will have the right to designate a member of that group to participate in the deliberations of the Council without the right to vote during the period the regional group relinquishes the seat.

2.  It was agreed that Italy would relinquish its seat in Group A in favour of the United States if the United States became a member of the Authority, this does not prejudice the position of any country with respect to any intervening election to the Council.

3.   Indonesia is elected for a four-year term as a member of Group C with the understanding that it will relinquish its seat to chile after two years and will take up the seat in Group E that was previously occupied by Chile for the remainder of the four year term.

4.  Qatar is elected for a four year term as a member of Group E with the understanding that it will relinquish its seat to Sri Lanka after two years for the remainder of the four year term.

5.  Chile is elected for a four year term in Group E with the understanding that it will relinquish its seat to Indonesia after two years for the remainder of the four year term.