(Cont.) Convention On The Prohibition Of The Development, Production,
Stockpiling And Use Of Chemical Weapons And On Their Destruction
"United Nations, 1993, pp. 1 - 172"

or the contribution due from it for the preceding two full years. The Conference of the States Parties may, nevertheless, permit such a member to vote if it is satisfied that the failure to pay is due to conditions beyond the control of the member.

B. THE CONFERENCE OF THE STATES PARTIES

Composition, procedures and decision-making

9.   The Conference of the States Parties (hereinafter referred to as "the Conference") shall be composed of all members of this Organization. Each member shall have one representative in the Conference, who may be accompanied by alternates and advisers.

10.   The first session of the Conference shall be convened by the depositary not later than 30 days after the entry into force of this Convention.

11.   The Conference shall meet in regular sessions which shall be held annually unless it decides otherwise.

12.   Special sessions of the Conference shall be convened:

         (a)  When decided by the Conference;

         (b)  When requested by the Executive Council;

         (c)  When requested by any member and supported by one third of the members; or

         (d)  In accordance with paragraph 22 to undertake reviews of the operation of this Convention.

Except in the case of subparagraph (d), the special session shall be convened not later than 30 days after receipt of the request by the Director-General of the Technical Secretariat, unless specified otherwise in the request.

13.   The Conference shall also be convened in the form of an Amendment Conference in accordance with Article XV, paragraph 2.

14.   Sessions of the Conference shall take place at the seat of the Organization unless the Conference decides otherwise.

15.   The Conference shall adopt its rules of procedure. At the beginning of each regular session, it shall elect its Chairman and such other officers as may be required. They shall hold office until a new Chairman and other officers are elected at the next regular session.

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