Unofficial translation

CHAPTER I

 General Provisions

Article 1

These Regulations define the principles of formation, procedures, and purpose of the GUAM Sectoral Working Group (hereinafter referred to as the “Working Group”).

The Working Group is established by the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs in accordance with Article 3, paragraph 5 of the GUAM Charter to facilitate the implementation of goals and objectives of GUAM in specific areas of cooperation determined by the Council.

Article 2

The Working Group’s activities are guided by the objectives and principles of the GUAM Charter, the Rules of Procedure, Council decisions, treaties concluded within the GUAM framework, and these Regulations.

CHAPTER II

 Composition, Tasks, and Functions

Article 3

The Working Group shall consist of authorized representatives of the Ministries and Agencies of the GUAM Member States.

A meeting of the Working Group may be convened at the level of Heads of Ministries and Agencies, their deputies, and at the expert level. If necessary, the Working Group may, by its decision, establish sub-working groups for the purpose of developing and implementing specific projects, including strengthening interagency cooperation.

Article 4

The Working Group, in accordance with a Council decision, may perform the following tasks and functions:

  • Develop proposals for the development and implementation of common policies of Member States in the relevant sector;
  • Formulate proposals for the harmonization of legislative acts and their implementation mechanisms;
  • Participate in the development and implementation of joint proposals, projects, and programs;
  • Facilitate cooperation in the field of personnel training and retraining;
  • Submit proposals for developing cooperation with the working bodies of other international organizations and states and, in agreement with the Council, develop cooperation with them;
  • Submit an annual report to the Council and proposals for the implementation of decisions and treaties concluded within the GUAM framework;
  • Make decisions on issues within its competence;
  • Facilitate the coordination of cooperation between relevant institutions and agencies of the Member States;
  • Regulate the activities of sectoral working sub-groups, appoint their leaders, and accept reports on their work.

CHAPTER III

 Organization of Activities

 Article 5

Working Group meetings are held at least twice a year in accordance with the Calendar of Events approved by the Council of Foreign Ministers.

Working Group meetings are generally held in the country that serves as its coordinator.

Article 6

Working Group meetings are chaired by a representative of the country-coordinator. If the meeting is held in another country, a representative of the host country may be appointed as a co-chair.

Article 7

Following the meeting of the Working Group, its Minutes are signed.

The coordinating country sends the minutes to the GUAM Secretariat for subsequent distribution. At each meeting of the Working Group, a decision is made on the venue and date of the next meeting, which is recorded in the minutes.

Article 8

With the consent of all Member States, representatives of other states, international organizations, and entities may be invited to the meeting of the Working Group.

Article 9

The draft Agenda for the Working Group meeting shall be developed by the coordinating country and sent to the Secretariat no later than 20 days before the meeting for subsequent distribution and approval by the Member States.

Proposals for amendments to the draft Agenda shall be sent to the coordinating country.

Article 10

Documents to be considered in accordance with the Agenda of the regular Working Group meeting, as well as documents prepared by Working Group members on their own initiative, shall be distributed no later than 20 days before the meeting, except in cases where an extraordinary meeting is convened. Documents agreed upon following the Working Group meeting shall be attached to the Minutes of the meeting.

Article 11

Decisions adopted by the Working Group shall be implemented from the date of their adoption, unless otherwise specified.

Article 12

The costs of holding of the Working Group meetings at the territory of one of the Member States shall be covered by the host country.

The travel and accommodation costs of delegations shall be covered by the Member States.

CHAPTER IV

 Final Provisions

Article 13

These Regulations shall be approved by the Council of Foreign Ministers.

These Regulations may be amended and supplemented by the Council of Foreign Ministers.

New York, September 25, 2006.