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Ii SÉRIE — NúMERO 73

ARTICLE 2 Objectives

1 — The primary objective of EUMETSAT is to establish, maintain and exploit European systems of operational meteorological satellites, taking into account as far as possible the recommendations of the World Meteorological Organization.

2 — The definition of the initial system is contained in annex i.

3 — In the execution of its objectives, EUMETSAT shall:

a) Take maximum advantage of the technologies

developed in Europe in particular in the field of meteorological satellites by providing for operational continuation of the programmes that have proved technically successful and cost-effective;

b) Rely as appropriate on the capabilities of the

existing international organizations carrying out activities in a similar field;

c) Contribute to the development of space mete-

orology techniques and meteorological observing systems using satellites that may lead to improved services at optimum cost.

ARTICLE 3 Co-operation

For the purpose of achieving its objectives EUMETSAT shall, as far as possible, and in conformity with meteorological tradition, co-operate with the governments and national organizations of the Member States, as well as with non-member States and governmental and non-governmental international scientific and technical organizations whose activities are related to its objectives. EUMETSAT may conclude agreements to that end.

ARTICLE 4 The council

I — The council shall be composed of not more than two representatives of each Member State, one of whom should be a delegate of his country's mete orological service. The representatives may be assisted by advisers during meetings of the council.

2—The council shall elect from among its members a chairman and a vice-chairman who shall hold office for two years and may be re-elected not more than once. The chairman shall conduct the discussions of the council and shall not have the capacity of a representative of a Member State.

3 — The council shall meet in ordinary session at least once a year. It may meet in extraordinary session at the request of either the chairman or one-third of the Member States. The council shall meet at the EUMETSAT headquarters unless it decides otherwise.

4 — The council may establish subsidiary bodies and working groups as it deems necessary for the achievement of the objectives of EUMETSAT.

5 — The council shall adopt its own rules of procedure.

ARTICLE 5

Rote of the council

1 — The council shall have the powers to adopt all the measures necessary for the implementation of this Convention.

2 — In particular, the council shall be empowered:

a) By a unanimous vote of all the Member Sta-

tes:

i) To decide on the accession of states

referred to in article 15, 3, and on the terms and conditions governing such accession;

ii) To decide on amendments to the an-

nexes and on the date of their entry into force; Hi) To approve the conclusion of co-operation agreements with non-Member States;

iv) To decide to dissolve or not to dis-

solve EUMETSAT in conformity with article 19;

v) To decide on the modalities for em-

barking on the execution of systems other than that defined in annex i and matching the objectives of EUMETSAT;

b) By a two-thirds majority vote of the Member

States present and voting representing also at least two-thirds of the total amount of contributions:

i) To adopt the annual budget, together

with the level of staff complements and the expenditure and income forecast for the following three years attached thereto;

ii) To approve annually the accounts of

the previous year, together with the balance sheet of the assets and liabilities of EUMETSAT, after taking note of the auditor's report, and give discharge to the director in respect of the implementation of the budget;

Hi) To adopt the appropriate measures referred to in article 9, 4;

iv) To adopt the financial rules as well as all other financial provisions:

v) To fix the amount of the special pay-

ment referred to in article 16, 5;

vi) To decide on the way EUMETSAT

will be dissolved pursuant to the provisions of article 19, 3 and 4;

vii) To decide on the exclusions of a Mem-

ber State pursuant to the provisions of article 13;

viii) To decide on any transfer of the EU-

METSAT headquarters; ix) To adopt the staff rules;

c) By a two-thirds majority of the Member States

present and voting:

i) To appoint the director for a specific period, and terminate or suspend