1. A regional integration organization that is constituted by sovereign States and has competence over certain matters governed by this Convention may similarly sign, ratify, accept, approve or accede to this Convention. The regional integration organization shall in that case have the rights and obligations of a Contracting State, to the extent that that organization has competence over matters governed by this Convention, which shall be declared in the instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession. Subsequently, such organization shall inform the depositary of any substantial modification in the extent of its competence.

2. Reference to “Contracting State” or “Contracting States” in this Convention shall apply to such organization within the limits of its competence.

3. For the purposes of

paragraph 4 of Article 56

and

paragraph 1 of Article 60

, any instrument deposited by a regional integration organization shall not be counted additional to those deposited by member States of such organization.

4. A regional integration organization, in matters within its competence, may exercise its right to vote in the Governing Council, with a number of votes equal to the number of its member States that are Contracting States to this Convention. Such an organization shall not exercise its right to vote if any of its member States exercises its right, and vice versa.