I SÉRIE-A — NÚMERO 7

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Article 6

Channels and means of communication

The Convention shall be supplemented by the following provisions:

“Channels and means of communication

1 – For the purpose of the Convention, communications may be forwarded by using electronic or any other

means affording evidence in writing, under conditions which allow the Parties to ascertain their authenticity. In

any case, the Party concerned shall, upon request and at any time, submit the originals or authenticated copies

of documents.

2 – The use of the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) or of diplomatic channels is not

excluded.

3 – Any State may, at the time of signature or when depositing its instrument of ratification, acceptance,

approval or accession, declare that, for the purpose of Article 12 and Article 14, paragraph 1.a, of the Convention,

it reserves the right to require the original or authenticated copy of the request and supporting documents.”

Article 7

Relationship with the Convention and other international instruments

1 – The words and expressions used in this Protocol shall be interpreted within the meaning of the Convention.

As regards the Parties to this Protocol, the provisions of the Convention shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to the

extent that they are compatible with the provisions of this Protocol.

2 – The provisions of this Protocol are without prejudice to the application of Article 28, paragraphs 2 and 3,

of the Convention concerning the relations between the Convention and bilateral or multilateral agreements.

Article 8

Friendly settlement

The Convention shall be supplemented by the following provisions:

“Friendly settlement

The European Committee on Crime Problems of the Council of Europe shall be kept informed regarding the

application of the Convention and the Additional Protocols thereto and shall do whatever is necessary to facilitate

a friendly settlement of any difficulty which may arise out of their interpretation and application.”

Article 9

Signature and entry into force

1 – This Protocol shall be open for signature by the member States of the Council of Europe which are Parties

to or have signed the Convention. It shall be subject to ratification, acceptance or approval. A signatory may not

ratify, accept or approve this Protocol unless it has previously ratified, accepted or approved the Convention, or

does so simultaneously. Instruments of ratification, acceptance or approval shall be deposited with the Secretary

General of the Council of Europe.

2 – This Protocol shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of three

months after the deposit of the third instrument of ratification, acceptance or approval.

3 – In respect of any signatory State which subsequently deposits its instrument of ratification, acceptance or

approval, this Protocol shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of

three months after the date of deposit.