S.L. 9.20 Art. 9Direct consultations.

(1) In the case where it is established that parallel proceedings exist, the competent authorities concerned shall enter into direct consultations in order to reach consensus on any effective and practical solutions.

(2) During any direct consultation, the competent authorities shall:

(a) keep each other informed of any important procedural measures which they may have taken during the proceedings;

(b) reply to requests of information emanating from other competent authorities also involved in such consultations: Provided that no competent authority shall provide any information which could be considered as a threat to national security or which could jeopardise the safety of any individual.

(3) The competent authorities shall consider the facts and the merits of the case and all other factors which they consider relevant during all direct consultations entered into between them to reach consensus.

(4) All direct consultations shall be regulated by a language to be agreed upon between the competent authorities.