The Saeima has adopted and the President promulgated the following laws: For the European region of the Convention on the recognition of qualifications related to higher education in article 1. of 11 April 1997, the Convention of the European region on the recognition of qualifications related to higher education (hereinafter referred to as the Convention), with this law is accepted and approved. 2. article. The law shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation. With the law put the Convention in English and its translation into Latvian language. 3. article. In accordance with title II of the Convention in article 1 and 2, the competent authority for the recognition of qualifications matters in Latvia is the academic information centre. 4. article. The Convention shall enter into force on its 2. Title XI article and for the period specified in the order, and shall notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Gazette "journal". The Parliament adopted the law of 13 May 1999. The President g. Ulmanis in Riga, 26 May 1999, the Council of Europe Conseil de l Europe ' European Treats to the Europen ET Traits from. 165 Ste 165 Convention on the Recognition Of of qualifications Concerning Higher Education in the European Region Lisbon, 11. IV. in 1997, the parties to this Convention, conscious of the fact that the right to education is a human right, and that higher education, which is instrumental in the pursuit and advancement of knowledge, of an exceptionally rich cultural and constitut scientific asset for both individual and society; Considering that higher education should play a vital role in promoting peace, mutual understanding and tolerance, and in creating mutual confidence among peoples and Nations; Considering that the great diversity of education systems in the European region in its cultural, reflect social, political, philosophical, religious and economic diversity, an exceptional asset which should be fully respected; (Menu rngton Line4) to enable all the people of the region to benefit fully from this rich asset of diversity by facilitating access by the inhabitant of each State and by the students of each Party's educational institutions to the educational resources of the other parties, more specifically by facilitating their efforts to continue their education or to complete a period of studies in higher education institutions in those other parties; Considering that the recognition of studies, certificates, diplomas and degrees obtained in another country of the European region represent an important measure for promoting academic mobility between the parties; Attaching great importanc to the principle of institutional autonomy, and conscious of the need to uphold and protect this principle; Convinced that a fair recognition of qualifications is a key element of the right to education and a responsibility of society; Having regard to the Council of Europe and the UNESCO Convention a covering academic recognition in Europe: European Convention on the Equivalenc of diplomas leading to Admission to universities (1953, ETS No. 15), and its Protocol (1964, ETS No. 49); European Convention on the Equivalenc of Period of University Study (1956, ETS No. 21); European Convention on the Academic Recognition of University qualifications (1959, ETS No. 32); Convention on the Recognition of studies, diplomas and degrees concerning Higher Education in the States belonging to the Europe Region (1979); European Convention on the General Equivalenc of Period of University Study (1990, ETS No. 138); Having regard also to the International Convention on the Recognition of studies, diplomas and degrees in Higher Education in the Arab and European States bordering on the Mediterranean (1976), adopted within the framework of UNESCO and partially covering academic recognition in Europe; Mindful that this Convention should also be considered in the context of the UNESCO convention and the International Recommendations covering other regions of the world, and of the need for an improved exchange of information between these Regions; Conscious of the wide wide-ranging changes in higher education in the European region since these were adopted by the Convention, resulting in considerably increased diversification within and between national higher education systems, and of the need to adap the legal instruments and practice it reflec the these developments; Conscious of the need to find common solutions to practical recognition problems in the European region; Conscious of the need to improve current recognition practice and to make it more transparent and better adapted to the current situation of higher education in the European region; Confident of the positive significanc of a Convention elaborated and adopted under the Joint Council of auspic's of the Europe and UNESCO providing a framework for the further development of recognition practices in the European region; Conscious of the importanc of providing permanent implementation mechanisms in order to put the principles and provision of the current Convention into practice, have agreed as follows: i. Definition Section in article I For the purpose of this Convention, the following terms shall have the following meaning: access (to higher education) the right of qualified candidate to apply and to be considered for admission to higher education. Admission (to higher education institutions and programmes) the Act of, or system for, allowing qualified applicants to pursu studies in higher education at a given institution and/or a given programme. Assessment (of institutions or programmes) the process for establishing the educational quality of a higher education institution or programme. Assessment (of individual qualifications) the written appraisal or evaluation of an individual's foreign qualifications by a competent body. The competent recognition authority A body officially charged with making binding decisions on the recognition of foreign qualifications. Higher education All types of courses of study, or sets of courses of study, training or training for research at the post secondary level which are recognized by the relevant authorities of a Party as belonging to its higher education system. Higher education institutions An establishment providing higher education and recognized by the competent authority of a Party as belonging to its system of higher education. Higher education programme A course of study recognized by the competent authority of a Party as belonging to its system of higher education, and the completion of which provides the student with a higher education qualification. Period of study Any component of a higher education programme which has been evaluated and documented and, while not a complete programme of study in itself, represent a significant acquisition of knowledge or skills. Qualification a. Higher education qualification Any degree, diploma or other certificate issued by a competent authority attesting the successful completion of a higher education programme. B. Qualification giving access to higher education Any diploma or other certificate issued by a competent authority attesting the successful completion of an education programme and giving the holder of the qualification the right to be considered for admission to higher education (cf. the definition of access). Recognition (A) formal acknowledgement by a competent authority of the value of a foreign educational qualification with a view to access to educational and/or employment activities. Requirement a. General requirements conditions that must in all cases be fulfilled for access to higher education, or to a given level thereof, or for the award of a higher education qualification at a given level. B. Specific requirements conditions that must be fulfilled, in addition to the general requirements, in order to gain admission to a particular higher education programme, or for the award of a specific higher education qualification in a particular field of study. Section II. The competence of authorities article II.1 1. Where central authorities of a Party are competent to make decisions in recognition cases, that Party shall be immediately bound by the provision of this Convention and shall take the measure of the cessary ensur the implementation of its provision on its territory. Where the competence to make decisions in recognition matters lies with components of the Party, the Party shall furnish one of the depositor to with a brief statement of its constitutional situation or structure at the time of signature or when depositing its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, or any time thereafter. In such cases, the competent authorities to be of the components of the parties so designated shall take the measure of their implementation of ensur cessary of the provision of this Convention on their territory. 2. Where the competence to make decisions in recognition matters lies with individual higher education institutions or other entities, each Party according to its constitutional situation or structure shall transmit the text of this convention to these institutions or entities and shall take all possible steps to encourag the considerations and applications of a favourabl its provision. 3. The provision of paragraphs 1 and 2 of this article shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to the obligations of the parties under subsequent articles of this Convention. Article II.2 At the time of signature or when depositing its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, or at any time thereafter, each State, the Holy see or the European Community shall inform either depository of the present Convention of the authorities which are competent to make different categories of decisions in recognition cases. Article II.3 Nothing in this Convention shall be deemed any more the derogat from the provision concerning a favourabl the recognition of qualifications issued in one of the parties led in or stemming from an existing or a future treaty to which a Party to this Convention may be or may become a party. Section III Basic principles related to the assessment of qualificiation article III.1 1 holders of qualifications issued in one of the Parties shall have access, upon request of adequat it the appropriate body, to an assessment of these qualifications. 2. From the discrimination shall be made in this respect on any ground such as the applicant's gender, race, colour, disability, language, religion, political or other opinion, national, ethnic or social origin, association with a national minority, property, birth or other status, or on the ground of any other circumstanc not related to the Merritt of the qualification for which recognition is sought. In order to assuras this right, each Party's appropriate undertak to make arrangements for the assessment of an application for recognition of qualifications solely on the basis of the knowledge and skills achieved. Article III Each Party 2 shall ensur that the procedures and criteria used in the assessment and recognition of qualifications are transparent, coheren and reliable. Article III.3 1. Decision on recognition shall be made on the basis of appropriate information on the qualifications for which recognition is sought. 2. In the first instance, the responsibility for providing adequat information rests with the applicant, who shall provide such information in good faith. 3. Notwithstanding the responsibility of the applicant, the institutions having issued the qualifications in question shall have a duty to provide, upon request of the applicant and within reasonable limits, relevant information to the holder of the qualification, to the institution, or to the competent authorities of the country to be in which recognition is sought. 4. The Parties shall instruct or encourag, as appropriate, all education institutions belonging to their education systems to comply with any reasonable request for information for the purpose of assessing qualifications earned at the said institutions. 5. The responsibility it demonstrates that an application does not fulfil the relevant requirements lies with the body undertaking the assessment. Article 4 Each Party shall III, in order to facilitat ensur the recognition of qualifications, that and clear information on adequat its education system is provided. Article III.5 Decisions on recognition shall be made within a reasonable time limit specified beforehand by the competent recognition authority and calculated to be from this time all information in the cessary not case has been provided. If recognition is withheld, the reasons for the refusal to grant recognition shall be stated, and information shall be given concerning possible measure the applicant may take in order to obtain recognition at a later stage. If recognition is withheld, or if from the decision is taken, the applicant shall be able to make an appeal within a reasonable time limit. Section IV Recognition of qualifications giving access to higher education article IV.1 Each Party shall recognize the qualifications issued by other parties meeting the general requirements for access to higher education in those parties for the purpose of access to programmes belonging to its higher education system, unless a substantial difference can be shown between the general requirements for access in the Party in which the qualification was obtained and in the Party in which recognition of the qualification is sought. Article IV.2 Alternatively, it shall be sufficient for a Party to enable the holder of a qualification issued in one of the other parties to obtain an assessment of that qualification, upon request by the holder, and the provision of article IV.1 shall apply mutatis mutandis shall apply y it such a case. Article IV.3 where a qualification give access only to specific types of institutions or programmes of higher education in the Party in which the qualification was obtained, each other Party shall grant holders of such qualifications access to similar specific programmes in institutions belonging to its higher education system, unless a substantial difference can be demonstrated between the requirements for access in the Party in which the qualification was obtained and the Party in which recognition of the qualification is sought. Article IV where admissions to 4 particular higher education programmes is dependent on the fulfilmen of specific requirements in addition to the general requirements for access, the competent authorities of the Party to be concerned may impost the additional requirements equally on holders of qualifications obtained in the other parties or assess whethers applicants with qualifications obtained in other parties fulfil equivalent requirements. Article IV. 5 where, in the Party in which they have been obtained, school leaving certificates give access to higher education only in combination with additional qualifying examination as a prerequisite for access, the other parties may make access conditional on these requirements or offer an alternative for satisfying such additional requirements within their own educational systems. Any State, the Holy see or the European Community may, at the time of signature or when depositing its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, or at any time thereafter, notify one of the depositor that it is itself of the provision availa ... of this article, specifying the parties in regard to which it intends to apply this article as well as the reasons therefore. Article IV.6 without prejudice to the provision of articles IV.1, IV.2, IV.3, IV. 4 and 5, admission to a IV. given higher education institution, or to a given programme within such an institution, may be restricted or selective. In cases in which admission to a higher education institution and/or programme is selective, admission procedures should be designed with a view to ensuring that the assessment of foreign qualifications is carried out according to the principles of non-discrimination and fairnes described in Section III. Article IV. 7 without prejudice to the provision of articles IV.1, IV.2, IV.3, IV. 4 and 5 IV. admission to a given higher education, institutions may be made conditional on demonstration by the applicant of sufficient competence in the language or in the language of instruction of the institution concerned, or in other specified languages. Article IV.8 In the parties in which access to higher education may be obtained on the basis of non-traditional qualifications, similar qualifications obtained in other parties shall be assessed in a similar manner as non-traditional qualifications earned in the Party in which recognition is sought. Article IV. 9 For the purpose of admission to programmes of higher education, each Party may make the recognition of qualifications issued by foreign educational institutions operating in its territory upon the specific requirements of the contingen national legislation or specific agreements concluded with the Party of origin of such institutions. Section V Recognition of periods of study. Article v. 1 Each Party shall recognize periods of study completed within the framework of a higher education programme in another Party. This recognition shall in such period of compris study towards the completion of a higher education programme in the Party in which recognition is sought, unless a substantial difference can be shown between the periods of study completed the in another Party and the part of the higher education programme which they would replace in the Party in which recognition is sought. Article v.2 Alternatively, it shall be sufficient for a Party to enable a person who has completed a period of study within the framework of a higher education programme in another Party to obtain an assessment of that period of study, upon request by the person concerned, and the provision of article V shall apply y 1 shall apply mutatis mutandis to such a case. Article v. 3, each Party shall In particular recognition of periods of facilitat study when: (a) there has been a previous agreement between, on the one hand, the higher education institution or the competent authority responsible for the relevant period of study and, on the other hand, the higher education institution or the competent recognition authority to be responsible for the recognition that is sought; and the higher education institution in which the period of study has been completed has issued a certificate or transcript of academic records attesting that the student has successfully completed the stipulated requirements for the said period of study. Section VI Recognition of higher education qualifications article VI.1 To the exten the that a recognition decision is based on the knowledge and skills certified by the higher education qualification, each Party shall recognize the higher education qualifications conferred in another Party, unless a substantial difference can be shown between the qualification for which recognition is sought and the òàæó qualification in the Party in which recognition is sought. Article VI.2 Alternatively, it shall be sufficient for a Party to enable the holder of a higher education qualification issued in one of the other parties to obtain an assessment of that qualification, upon request by the holder, and the provision of article VI.1 shall apply mutatis mutandis shall apply y it such a case. Article VI. 3 Recognition in a Party of a higher education qualification issued in another Party shall have one or both of the following consequences: (a) access to further higher education studies, including relevant examination, and/or their preparation for the/doctorate ' standard, on the same conditions as those applicable to holders of qualifications of the Party in which recognition is sought; (b) the use of an academic title, subject to the law and regulations of the Party or a jurisdiction thereof, in which recognition is sought. In addition, recognition may facilitat access to the labour market subject to law and regulations of the Party or a jurisdiction thereof, in which recognition is sought, the. Article VI. 4 An assessment in a Party of a higher education qualification issued in another Party may take the form of: (a) advice for general employment purpose; (b) advice to an educational institution for the purpose of admission into its programmes; advice to any other competent recognition authority to. Article 5 Each Party VI. may make the recognition of higher education qualifications issued by foreign educational institutions operating in its territory upon the specific requirements of the contingen national legislation or specific agreements concluded with the Party of origin of such institutions. Section VII Recognition of qualifications held by refugees, displaced persons and persons in a refugee-like situation article VII Each Party shall take all feasibl and reasonable steps within the framework of its education system and in conformity with its constitutional, legal, and regulatory provision to develop procedures designed to assess fairly and expeditiously whethers person displaced refugees, and persons in a refugee-like situation fulfil the relevant requirements for access to higher education It further higher education programmes or to employment activities, even in cases in which the qualifications obtained in one of the parties cannot be proven through documentary evidence. Section VIII Information on the assessment of higher education institutions and programmes article VIII. 1 Each Party shall provide information on any institution belonging adequat it in higher education system, and on any programme operated by these institutions, with a view to enabling the competent authorities of the other parties to ascertain whethers the quality of the qualifications issued by these institutions to the recognition in the justif Party in which recognition is sought. Such information shall take the following form: (a) in the case of parties having established a system of formal assessment of higher education institutions and programmes: information on the methods and results of this assessment, and of the standards of quality specific to each type of higher education institution granting, and to programmes leading to, higher education qualifications; in the case of parties which have not established a system of formal assessment of higher education institutions and programmes: information on the recognition of the various qualifications obtained at any higher education institution, or within any higher education programme, belonging to their higher education systems. Article VIII. 2 Each Party shall make provision of adequat for the development, maintenance and provision of: (a) an overview of the different types of higher education institutions belonging to its higher education system, with the typical characteristics of each type of institution; (b) a list of recognized institutions (public and private) belonging to its higher education system, indicating their powers to award different types of qualifications and the requirements for gaining access to each type of institution and programme; (c) a description of higher education programmes; a list of educational institutions located outside its territory which the Party consider as belonging to its education system. Section IX Information on recognition matters. Article IX. 1 In order to facilitat the recognition of qualifications concerning higher education, the parties to establish transparent undertak systems for the complete description of the qualifications obtained. Article IX. 2 1. Acknowledging the need for relevant, accurate and up-to-date information, each Party shall establish or maintain a national information centre and shall notify one of the depositor in the establishment of it, or of any changes in regimes. 2. In each Party, the national information centre shall: (a) access to facilitat authoritativ and accurate information on the higher education system and the country in which it is located; (b) access to facilitat qualifications of information on the higher qualifications of the other parties; (c) to give advice or information, education systems and on recognition qualifications, in accordanc with national laws and regulations. matters and assessment of Every national information centre 3 shall have at its disposal the means to enable cessary it to fulfil its function. Article IX. 3 the Parties shall promote, through the national information centres or otherwise, the use of the UNESCO/Council of Europe Diploma Supplement or any other comparabl document by the higher education institutions of the parties. Section X Implementation mechanisms article. X. 1 the following bodies shall promote and facilitat overseas, the implementation of the Convention: (a) the Committee of the Convention on the Recognition of qualifications concerning Higher Education in the European Region; the European network of National Information centres on academic mobility and recognition (the ENIC network), established by decision of the Committee of Minister of the Council of Europe on 9 June 1994 and the UNESCO Regional Committee for Europe on 18 June 1994 article X 2 1. The Committee of the Convention on the Recognition of qualifications concerning Higher Education in the European Region (hereafter referred to as "the Committee") is hereby established. It shall be composed of one representative of each Party. 2. For the purpose of article X 2, the term "Party" shall not apply to the European Community. 3. The States mentioned in article XI. 1.1 and the Holy See, if they are not parties to this Convention, the European Community and the President of the ENIC network may participat in the meetings of the Committee as observer. Representatives of governmental and non-governmental organizations active in the field of recognition in the Region may also be invited to attend meetings of the Committee as observer. 4. The President of the UNESCO Regional Committee for the Application of the Convention on the Recognition of studies, diplomas and degrees concerning Higher Education in the States belonging to the Europe Region shall also be invited to participat in the meetings of the Committee as an observer. 5. The Committee shall promote the application of this Convention and shall overseas it for implementation. To this end it may be by a majority of adop of the parties, recommendations, declarations, protocols and models of good practice to guide the competent authorities of the be parties in their implementation of the Convention and in their considerations of applications for the recognition of higher education qualifications. While they shall not be bound by such texts, the Parties shall use their best endeavour to apply them, to bring the texts to the attention of the competent authorities and to be in their applications. encourag The Committee shall seek the opinion of the ENIC network before making its decision. 6. The Committee shall report to the relevant bodies of the Council of Europe and UNESCO. 7. The Committee shall maintain links to the UNESCO Regional Committees for the Application of the Convention on the Recognition of studies, diplomas and degrees in Higher Education adopted under the auspic of UNESCO. 8. A majority of the Parties shall constitut a quor. 9. The Committee shall adop it rules of procedure. It shall meet in ordinary session at least every three years. The Committee shall meet for the first time within a year of the entry into force of this Convention. 10. The secretariat of the Committee shall be entrusted jointly to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe and to the Director-General of UNESCO. Article x. 3. appoin 1 Each Party shall be a member of the European network of national information centres on academic mobility and recognition (the ENIC network) the national information centre established or maintained under article IX. 2. In cases in which more than one national information centre established or maintained the ISO in a Party under article IX. 2, all these shall be members of the network, but the national information centres concerned shall dispos of only one vote. 2. The ENIC network shall, in its composition restricted to national information centres of the parties to this Convention, uphold and assist the practical implementation of the Convention by the competent national authorities. The network shall meet at least once a year in plenary session. It shall elect its President and Bureau in accordanc with its terms of reference. 3. The secretariat of the ENIC network shall be entrusted jointly to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe and to the Director-General of UNESCO. 4. The Parties shall cooperate, through the ENIC network, with the national information centres of other parties, especially by enabling them to collect all information of use to the national information centres in their activities relating to academic recognition and mobility. XI. Final section of article XI clauss. 1 this Convention shall be 1 open for signature by: (a) the member States of the Council of Europe; (b) the member States of the UNESCO Europe Region; (c) any other signatory, contracting State or party to the European Cultural Convention of the Council of Europe and/or to the UNESCO Convention on the Recognition of studies, diplomas and degrees concerning Higher Education in the States belonging to the Europe Region, which have been invited to the Diplomatic Conference entrusted with the adoption of this Convention. 2. These States and the Holy See may express their consent to be bound by: a signature without reservation as to ratification, acceptance or approval; or b signature, r subject to ratification, acceptance or approval, followed by ratification, acceptance or approval; or (c) accession. 3. Signatures shall be made with one of the depositor. The instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession shall be deposited with one of the depositor. Article XI. 2 this The Convention shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the expiration of the period of one month after five States, including at least three member States of the Council of Europe and/or the UNESCO Europe Region, have expressed their consent to be bound by the Convention. It shall enter into force for each other State on the first day of the month following the expiration of the period of one month after the date of expression of its consent to be bound to by the Convention. Article XI. 3 1. After the entry into force of this Convention, any State other than those falling into one of the categories listed under article XI. 1 may request accession to this Convention. Any request to this effect shall be addressed to one of the depositor, who shall transmit it to the parties at least three months before the meeting of the Committee of the Convention on the Recognition of qualifications concerning Higher Education in the European Region. The depository shall also inform the Committee of Minister of the Council of Europe and the Executive Board of UNESCO. 2. The decision to invite a State which so requests to accede to this Convention shall be taken by a two-thirds majority of the parties. 3. After the entry into force of this Convention the European Community may accede to it following a request by its member States, which shall be addressed to one of the depositor. In this case, article 3.2 shall not apply. XI. 4. In respect of any acceding States or the European Community, the Convention shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the expiration of the period of one month after the deposit of the instrument of accession with one of the depositor. Article XI. 4 1. Parties to this Convention which are at the same time parties to one or more of the following Convention: European Convention on the Equivalenc of diplomas leading to Admission to universities (1953, ETS No. 15), and its Protocol (1964, ETS No. 49); European Convention on the Equivalenc of Period of University Study (1956, ETS No. 21); European Convention on the Academic Recognition of University qualifications (1959, ETS No. 32); International Convention on the Recognition of studies, diplomas and degrees in Higher Education in the Arab and European States bordering on the Mediterranean (1976); Convention on the Recognition of studies, diplomas and degrees concerning Higher Education in the States belonging to the Europe Region (1979); European Convention on the General Equivalenc of Period of University Study (1990, ETS 141), (a) shall apply the provision of the present Convention in their mutual relations; (b) shall continue to apply the above mentioned Convention to which they are a party in their relations with other States party to the Convention will be those not to the present Convention. 2. The parties to this Convention to abstain from undertak becoming a party to any of the Convention is mentioned in paragraph 1, to which they are not already a party, with the exception of the International Convention on the Recognition of studies, diplomas and degrees in Higher Education in the Arab and European States bordering on the Mediterranean. Article XI. 5 1. Any State may, at the time of signature or when depositing its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, specify the territory or territories to which this Convention shall apply. 2. Any State may, at any later date, by a declaration addressed to one of the depositor, extend the application of this Convention to any other territory specified in the declaration. In respect of such territory the Convention shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of one month after the date of receipt of such declaration by the depository. 3. Any declaration made under the two preceding paragraphs may, in respect of any territory specified in such declaration, be withdrawn by a notification addressed to one of the depositar. The withdrawals shall become effective on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of one month after the date of receipt of such notification by the depository. Article XI. 6 1. Any Party may, at any time, denounc this Convention by means of a notification addressed to one of the depositor. 2. Such denunciation shall become effective on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of twelve months after the date of receipt of the notification by the depository. However, such denunciation shall note the recognition decision taken affec previously under the provision of this Convention. 3. Termination or suspension of the operation of this Convention as a consequences of a violation by a Party of a provision essential to the accomplishmen of the object or purpose of this Convention shall be addressed in accordanc with international law. Article XI. 7 1. Any State, the Holy see or the European Community may, at the time of signature or when depositing its instrument of ratification, acceptance or approval or accession, declare that it reserve the right not to apply, in whole or in part, one or more of the following articles of this Convention: article 8 article 8 IV v. VI. 3 article 3 article 2 article VIII. IX. 3 other reservation may be made. 2. Any Party which has made a reservation under the preceding paragraph may wholly or the partly withdraw it by means of a notification addressed to one of the depositor. The withdrawals shall take effect on the date of receipt of such notification by the depository. 3. A Party which has made a reservation in respect of a provision of this Convention may not claim the application of that provision by any other Party; It may, however, if its reservation is partial or conditional, claim the application of that provision in so far as it has itself accepted it. Article XI. 8 1. Draft amendments to this Convention may be adopted by the Committee of the Convention on the Recognition of qualifications concerning Higher Education in the European Region by a two-thirds majority of the parties. Any draft amendment so adopted shall be incorporated into a Protocol to this Convention. The Protocol shall specify the modalit for its entry into force which, in any event, shall require the expression of consent by the parties to be bound by it From 2 amendment may be made to Section III of this Convention under the procedure of paragraph 1 above. 3. Any proposal for amendments shall be communicated to one of the of the depositar, who shall transmit it to the parties at least three months before the meeting of the Committee. The depository shall also inform the Committee of Minister of the Council of Europe and the Executive Board of UNESCO. Article XI. 9 1. The Secretary General of the Council of Europe and the Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization shall be the depositor to of this Convention. 2. The depository with whom an Act, notification or communication has been deposited shall notify the parties to this Convention, as well as the other member States of the Council of Europe and/or of the UNESCO Europe Region of: a any signature; (b) the deposit of any instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval, or accession; (c) any date of entry into force of this Convention in accordanc with the provision of Articles XI and XI 2.3.4; (d) any reservation made in pursuanc of the provision of article XI. 7 and the withdrawals of any reservations made in pursuanc of the provision of article XI. 7; e any denunciation of this Convention in pursuanc of article XI. 6; f any declarations made in accordanc with the provision of article II.1, or of article II.2; g any declarations made in accordanc with the provision of article IV. 5; (h) any request for accession made in accordanc with the provision of article XI. 3; I any proposal made in accordanc with the provision of article XI. 8; (j) any other Act, notification or communication relating to this Convention. 3. The depository receiving a communication or making a notification in the pursuanc of the provision of this Convention shall immediately inform the other depository thereof. In witness thereof the undersigned representatives, being duly authorized, have signed this Convention. Done at Lisbon on 11 April 1997, in the English, French, Russian and Spanish languages, the four texts being equally the authoritativ, in two COPA, one of which shall be deposited in the archives of the Council of Europe and the other in the archives of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. A certified copy shall be sent to all the States referred to in article XI, to the Holy See and to the European Community and to the Secretariat of the United Nations.

The European regional Convention on the recognition of qualifications related to higher education in 1997, Lisbon, 11 April, the parties to this Convention, considering that the right to education and that human rights belong to the higher education as a decisive deepening of knowledge acquisition and the factor is extremely important cultural and scientific value of both individuals, as a society; considering that higher education is essential for peace, mutual understanding and tolerance and promoting the creation of mutual confidence between peoples and countries; considering that in the European region, the existing education system reflects the great diversity of the region's inherent diversity of cultural, social, political, philosophical, religious and economic field and this diversity is extremely high and completely respectable value; wishing all the people in the region to enable the full use of this diversity, the population of each country and each party's education students making it easier access to other educational resources, in particular- facilitating their efforts to continue training or complete a period of study in the other country higher education institutions; considering that other European countries learning study course, received the certificate, diploma and degree recognition is essential to promote academic mobility between the parties; giving great importance to the principle of autonomy of training institutions and realizing that these principles need to support and protect; convinced that fair recognition of qualifications are both essential elements of the right of education and the obligations of the company; given the Council of Europe and UNESCO conventions that govern educational recognition in Europe: the European Convention on the equivalence of diplomas, which gives you the opportunity to join the universities (1953, ETS 15), and its Protocol (1964, ETS 49); European Convention on the equivalence of periods of University study (1956, ETS 21); European Convention on the academic qualifications granted University recognition (1959, ETS 32); Convention on the course of study, with higher education diplomas and degrees related to the recognition of the European region (1979); European Convention for university studies in the period of general equivalence (1990, ETS 141); having regard also to the International Convention on higher education courses, diploma and degree recognition in the Mediterranean Arab countries and European countries (1976), adopted within the framework of UNESCO and partially regulated educational recognition in Europe; recognising that this Convention associated with the UNESCO conventions and the international recommendation covering other regions of the world, and that there is a need to improve the exchange of information between these regions; conscious of the tremendous changes that took place after the adoption of the Convention of European higher education of the region and which result in significant changes and deepened their national education systems, and these systems as a whole, and the need to adapt the legal documents and the practice of these changes; conscious of the need to find common solutions to practical problems of recognition in the European region; conscious of the need to improve current recognition practice and make it more transparent and better suited to the current situation of higher education in the European region; convinced that the Convention, which developed and adopted the Council of Europe and UNESCO, is a positive role as a basis for the further development of recognition practices in the European region; realizing how important it is to create a permanent principle of this Convention of the actuator and the implementation of the provisions agreed as follows: title I. Definitions article 1 for the purposes of this Convention, the following terms have the following meanings: access to University-qualified applicants entitled to apply and qualify for admission to the University. (Higher education institutions and the relevant programmes of study)-decision or a system that allows qualified applicants to study in the institution and/or after the relevant higher education programs. (Higher education or programs) evaluation-measure the quality of education in the higher education institution or programme. (Individual qualification) assessment-assessment of qualifications obtained abroad by a person provided in writing to the competent authority. The competent recognition authority-the authority, which is the official duty to adopt binding decisions on the recognition of qualifications obtained abroad. Higher education-all types of post-secondary level study courses or courses that prepare professionals or scientific staff and the parties concerned governing bodies recognised for their higher education systems. Higher education authority-the authority, which provides higher education and which the party concerned the competent authorities shall recognise for their higher education systems. Higher education program-study course, which the party concerned the competent authorities shall recognise for their higher education system and the completion of which the student provides higher education qualifications. Study period – any component of higher education programs that have been evaluated and documented and that includes significant knowledge and skills learning, while not a full program of study. Qualifications: a. higher education qualification any degree-diploma or other document, granted by the competent authority certifying higher education successful completion of the program. B. qualification giving access to higher education-any diploma issued by the competent authority or other document certifying the successful completion of the curriculum and qualifications to the holder of the right of university entrance (cf. the definition of ' access to College "). -Recognition of educational qualifications obtained abroad in an official assessment by the competent authority regarding the right to continue education and/or come into work. Requirements: a. General requirements-the conditions to be fulfilled in all cases, for the exercise of the right to receive higher education, where its level or higher education qualification at the appropriate level. B. specific requirements-the conditions to be fulfilled in addition to the General requirements for a person to receive permission to study at a particular higher education programme, or for higher education qualifications in a specific area of study. (II) section. The competence of authorities article II.1 1. If the party central administration authorities shall have the authority to make decisions in recognition matters, the provisions of this Convention to that party immediately becomes binding and shall take the measures necessary to ensure that within its territory the provisions of the Convention. If you make decisions on issues of recognition is an authorized party ingredients, that party at the time of signing this Convention or when depositing its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, or at any time after submitting one of the depositaries of a short statement about their constitutional structure. In such cases, the part of the parties to the competent authorities that authorised it to take the necessary measures to ensure that in their territories, the implementation of the provisions of this Convention. 2. If you make decisions on recognition shall be authorized by individual higher education institutions or other entities, each party according to its constitutional structure puts the text of this Convention to these institutions and to take all measures possible to ensure compliance with the provisions and application of favourable. 3.1 and 2 of this article, the provisions of the paragraph with the amendments shall apply mutatis mutandis to the obligations of the parties under subsequent articles of this Convention. 2. Article II, each State, the Holy see or the European Community at the time of signing this Convention or when depositing its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, or at any time thereafter, notify one of the depositaries of this Convention of which the institutions are authorised to take decisions on issues of recognition. 3. Article II, nothing in this Convention shall be repealed not any more favourable in any of the parties granted recognition of provisions that would be included in the existing or future agreement or on the grounds of such a contract, which is a member of a party to this Convention, or for which the party it could become. Title III. The basic principles of the assessment of qualifications article 1 III 1. Any of the parties assigned to the holder of the qualification, to the institution concerned if he submits such a request, you should be able to obtain these qualifications. 2. In this respect, there should be no discrimination because of the applicant's gender, race, colour, disability, language, religion, political or other beliefs, national, ethnic or social origin, affiliation to a minority, property, birth or other status status or any other condition, which does not relate to the qualifications for which recognition is sought. For the purposes of this law, each party undertakes to take measures to, in considering applications for the recognition of qualifications, to take into account only the knowledge and skills acquired. 2. Article III, each Party shall ensure that the procedures and criteria which are used in assessing and recognizing skills, should be transparent, consistent and safe. 3. Article III 1. decisions on recognition shall be made on the basis of appropriate information on the qualifications for which recognition is sought. 2. the provision of the appropriate message in the first instance, the applicant is responsible that the following information provided in good faith. 3. Notwithstanding the responsibility of the applicant, which granted certain qualifications, are bound by the request of the applicant, within a reasonable time to provide all relevant information to the holder of the qualification, to the institution or its curriculum to the national competent authorities, in which recognition is sought. 4. the parties ask all national education system under the education institutions or, if necessary-the complete each reasonable request to provide information to evaluate the schools listed qualifications. 5. To demonstrate that the application does not comply, the authorities must carry out an assessment. (Iii) article 4 in order to facilitate the recognition of qualifications, each Party shall ensure that its education system are provided adequate and clear information. (Iii) article 5 of the decision on recognition is taken within a reasonable period, to be determined in advance by the competent recognition authority, from the moment when it is sourced all the relevant information on the case. If recognition is refused, the applicant shall notify the reasons for the refusal and give information on possible measures which he can take to obtain recognition at a later date. If recognition is refused or not accepted any decision, within a reasonable time limit, the applicant may appeal. Section IV. The recognition of qualifications giving access to higher education (IV) of article 1, each Party shall recognise the General requirements according to the other parties ' assigned qualifications giving access to higher education in those parties to be able to learn from the party concerned, under the system of higher education programs, unless there is evidence of significant differences between the General admission requirements, the side where the qualification was obtained, and the side that required qualifications recognised. (IV) article 2 other cases, the party allows any of the other parties granted qualification to the holder at his request to get an assessment of these qualifications, and (IV), in such case the provisions of article 1 shall apply to the applicable mutatis mutandis. (IV) article 3 If qualifications entitle you to study only specific types of higher education institutions or by specific types of programs which qualifications get side, all other parties guarantees the following qualifications for the right holder to study at similar specific programmes the parties concerned within the education system authorities, if one does not show significant differences between the requirements of the host side, in which the qualification was obtained, and the side that required qualifications recognised. (IV) article 4 If the reception for special studies at the higher education programmes is dependent on the particular requirements that are in addition to the General admission requirements, the parties concerned, the competent authorities may also impose additional requirements of such other parties obtained qualifications holders or assess whether applicants with qualifications obtained in other parties, complies with the same requirements. (IV) article 5 If the school leaving certificate, in which it was gathered, gives access to the University only after outstanding qualifying examination, which is a precondition for admission, the other parties may assign the aforementioned rights under the same conditions or offer an alternative, how to meet the following additional requirements in their education system. Each State, the Holy see or the European Community at the time of signing this Convention or when depositing its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, or at any time thereafter, notify one of the depositaries, that uses the provisions of this article, specifying the parties intended to apply this article as well as the justification. (IV) article 6 without prejudice to (IV) 1., IV, IV, 2, 3 and 4 (IV) (IV) the provisions of article 5, the host higher education institution or studies after appropriate programs such authority may be restricted or selective. Where admission to the higher education institution or studies after a program is selective, admission procedures shall be fixed so that the qualifications obtained abroad be assessed according to section III of Justice referred to the principles of non-discrimination. (IV) article 7 without prejudice to (IV) 1., IV, IV, 2, 3 and 4 (IV) (IV) the provisions of article 5, admission to the higher education institution may impose the condition that the applicant must show a sufficient skill in the appropriate authorities in learning a language or languages or in other specified languages. 8. Article IV, where access to higher education may be marketed to non-traditional qualifications, similar qualifications obtained in other parties shall be assessed in the same manner as non-traditional qualifications acquired on the side where recognition is sought. (IV) article 9 to take studies at higher education programs, each party may in its territory to foreign education qualifications granted to associate with these parties to comply with the specific requirements of the law or to conclude specific agreements with the direction that this educational institution established. Title v. Study of phase V of the recognition article 1, each Party shall recognize periods of study completed within the framework of the higher education programme in another party. This recognition of periods of study covers the higher education programs in full training on the side where the recognition is sought, unless there is evidence of substantial differences between the other side of the Studio and completed their higher education programs by replacing these stages at the side, in which recognition is sought. 2. Article v, in other cases, a party may give the option of the person who completed the study phase of the higher education programme in another party, at the request of the person to receive the evaluation of this study period, and in such case the provisions of article v(1) shall apply the amendments shall apply mutatis mutandis. (V) article 3 each party specifically facilitate the recognition of periods of study when: (a)) has been a prior agreement between the higher education institution or the competent authority responsible for the relevant period of study and higher education institution or the competent recognition authority responsible for the recognition, and (b) required) higher education institution in which the period of study is completed, issued the certificate or extract from the exam and ieskaiš pages that shows that the student has successfully completed this phase of the Studio requirements. Section VI. Higher education qualifications via article 1 in so far as the decision on recognition is based on the knowledge and skills certified by the higher education qualification, each Party shall recognize the higher education qualifications conferred in another party, unless there is evidence of substantial differences between qualifications, recognition of which is sought and the corresponding qualification in the Party in which recognition is sought. (VI) article 2 other cases, the party allows any of the other parties granted higher education qualifications to the holder at his request to get an assessment of these qualifications, and in such case the provisions of article VI 1 apply with appropriate modifications shall apply mutatis mutandis. (VI) article 3 other parties granted recognition of higher education qualifications in one of the parties gives to one of the following options or both of the following options: a) continue higher education studies, including relevant examinations, sort and/or prepare for the doctor's degree on the same terms as apply to the side of the holder of the qualification for which recognition is sought; (b)) to use degrees in accordance with its laws and regulations of the party or a jurisdiction in which recognition is sought. In addition, recognition may facilitate access to the labour market in accordance with its laws and regulations of the party or a jurisdiction in which recognition is sought. 4. Article VI the parties may appreciate the other side give a higher education qualification issued: (a) the conditions of employment for the purposes of the recommendation); (b) recommendations for the admission) educational training to continue after one of its programs; (c) the recommendation of any other) competent recognition authority. (VI) article 5 each party may in its territory of foreign higher education institutions in recognition of the link to pasīb to meet these parties law specific requirements or to conclude specific agreements with the direction that this educational institution established. Section VII. Refugees, displaced persons and refugees in a situation of persons recognition of qualifications article VII each Party shall take all feasible and reasonable measures to the education system in accordance with their constitutional, legal and regulatory provisions to develop procedures to assess fairly and expeditiously whether refugees, displaced persons and refugee situation in the person meets the requirements to put into force the University to continue studying at the higher education programmes or to carry out professional activities also in such cases When the qualifications obtained in one of the parties, can be demonstrated to the documentary. Section VIII. Information on higher education institutions and programs evaluation VIII article 1, each Party shall provide adequate information on any of its higher education institutions forming part of the system and on any education program, to enable the other party to the competent authorities to make sure that the training qualifications quality allows this recognition of qualifications on the side which recognition is sought. Provided the following information: (a)), which is created in higher education institutions and the official rating system,-identification of the evaluation methods and results and quality standards that are specific to each type of higher education institution granting higher education qualifications or training program, and you can get a higher education; (b)), which was created in higher education institutions and the formal evaluation system-news of the various qualifications obtained at any of the parties concerned in higher education in higher education institution or any higher education programs. 2. Article VIII each Party shall take the necessary measures to develop, update and publish: (a)) the report on the party's higher education system in higher education institutions of different types, describing each type of institution; (b)) the parties concerned in higher education within the framework of recognised higher education institutions (public and private), production of a list of these authorities the right to assign different types of qualifications and requirements, which are set to join each type of institution and studying its or other programs; c) higher education program description; (d)) to list of educational institutions located outside the territory of the party concerned and which it considers to belong to their own education systems. Title IX. Information about the recognition of article IX 1 to promote higher education related qualifications, the parties undertake to establish an exhaustive description of the qualification system. 2. Article IX 1. Acknowledging the need for relevant, accurate and up-to-date information, each Party shall establish or maintain a national information centre and shall notify one of the depositaries of the establishment of the Centre, or on changes in it. 2. The national information centre shall: (a) on each side) facilitate the use authoritative and accurate information on the higher education systems and qualifications in higher education in the country where the Centre is located; b) facilitates access to information about other parties ' higher education system and qualifications of higher education; (c)) provide advice or information on recognition of qualifications and assessment according to national laws and regulations. 3. Every national information centre shall have at its disposal the necessary resources, allowing the Center to perform its functions. 3. Article IX the parties with the assistance of the national information centres or otherwise promote the UNESCO/Council of Europe Diploma Supplement or a comparable document for parties of higher education institutions. Title x. Implementation mechanisms article 1 X of the implementation of the Convention, monitor, encourage and facilitate such institutions: a) Committee set up to implement the Convention of the European region on the recognition of qualifications related to higher education; (b) the academic mobility and recognition) the national information centre of the European network (the ENIC network), established with the mobility and the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers on 9 June 1994 and the UNESCO Regional Committee for Europe on 18 June 1994. X 2. Article 1 is hereby established the Committee for the implementation of the European region of the Convention on the recognition of qualifications related to higher education (hereinafter-the Committee). It includes one representative from each party. 2. Article 2 of this section, within the meaning of the term "party" shall not apply to the European Community. 3. The countries referred to in article 1, XI, paragraph 1, and the Holy See, if they are not parties to this Convention, as well as the European Community and the President of the ENIC network may participate in the meetings of the Committee as observers. Also, representatives of State and non-governmental organizations in the region working in the area of recognition, may invite to the meetings of the Committee as observers. 4. the meetings of the Committee as observers may be invited also the UNESCO Regional Committee, set up to implement the Convention on the course of study, with higher education diplomas and degrees related to the recognition of the European countries. 5. the Committee shall promote the application of the Convention and monitor its implementation. To this end it with a majority of the parties may adopt recommendations, declarations, protocols and proven practice examples, to help the competent authorities of the parties to implement the Convention and to consider the recognition of higher education qualifications in the submissions. Although such documents are not binding, the Parties shall make every effort to apply, the competent authorities of the attention focused on them and encourage them to apply. Before a decision is taken, the Committee heard the ENIC network views. 6. the Committee shall report to the Council of Europe and UNESCO, to the authorities concerned. 7. The Committee shall maintain links to the UNESCO regional committees established for the implementation of the UNESCO Convention on the management adopted in the course of study, with a higher education diploma and degree-related recognition. 8. the quorum is reached when a majority of the Parties present. 9. the Committee shall adopt its agenda. It shall meet in ordinary session at least once every three years. The Committee shall meet for the first time in a year after the entry into force of this Convention. 10. The Secretary-General of the Council of Europe and the Director-General of UNESCO provides the Secretariat of the Joint Committee activities. Article 3 x 1. each party to the national information centre established or maintained under article IX, shall designate for academic mobility and recognition of the national information centre of the European network (the ENIC network). If one side, in accordance with article 2 of the IX is created or maintained more than one national information centre, they are all members of the network, but all of them together have only one vote. 2. the ENIC network, which includes only the parties to this Convention, the national information centre, followed by the practical implementation of the Convention and assist the national authorities in the application of this Convention. Network members meet in plenary session at least once a year, shall elect the Chairman and the Bureau of the network according to its performance goals. 3. The Secretary-General of the Council of Europe and the Director-General of UNESCO to jointly provide the Secretariat of the ENIC network activity. 4. the ENIC network cooperates with other parties of the national information centres of the parties, in particular – enabling them to get all the information to the national information centres need to academic recognition and mobility related work. Section XI. Final provisions article 1 XI 1. this Convention shall be open for signature by: a) the Member States of the Council of Europe; b) UNESCO Member States of the European region; (c)) any other signatory to the European cultural Convention of the Council of Europe and/or to the UNESCO Convention on course of study, with higher education diplomas and degrees related to the recognition of the European countries that is a member of both the Convention or Contracting State and which have been invited to the diplomatic Conference entrusted with the adoption of this Convention. 2. The said countries and the Holy See may express their consent to this Convention: (a) of the Convention) signature without reservation as to ratification, acceptance or approval, or (b) signature of this Convention), provided that it accepted or to be ratificējam, by ratification, acceptance or approval, or (c) by acceding to this Convention). 3. Signing happens to one of the depositaries. Instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession shall be deposited with one of the depositaries. 2. Article XI of this Convention shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the month to which five States, including at least three Council of Europe and/or UNESCO Member States of the European region, have expressed their consent to this Convention. In each of the other States it shall enter into force on the first day of the month after the month was from the days when the State expressed its consent to this Convention. 3. Article XI 1. After the entry into force of this Convention, any State that does not belong to one of the substances referred to in article 1 XI teams can submit a request for accession to this Convention. Request to address one of the depositaries, who shall transmit to the parties at least three months before the meeting convened by the Committee set up to implement the Convention in the European region for the recognition of qualifications related to higher education. The depositary shall also inform the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe and the UNESCO Executive Board. 2. the decision to invite to this Convention country, that the request, the Parties shall be adopted by a two-thirds majority. 3. After the entry into force of this Convention the European Community may accede to it by one of the Member States addressed to the depositary. In this case, not applicable (XI) paragraph 2 of article 3. 4. in respect of any State or the European Community, the Convention shall enter into force on the first day of the month after he turned one month after the deposit of the instrument of accession to one of the depositaries. 4. Article XI 1. Parties to this Convention which are at the same time one or more of the following parties to the Convention: the European Convention on the equivalence of diplomas, which gives you the opportunity to join the universities (1953, ETS 15), and its Protocol (1964, ETS 49); European Convention on the equivalence of periods of University study (1956, ETS 21); European Convention on the academic qualifications granted University recognition (1959, ETS 32); International Convention on higher education courses, diploma and degree recognition in the Mediterranean Arab countries and European countries; Convention for the course of study, with higher education diplomas and degrees related to the recognition of the European region (1979); European Convention for university studies in the period of general equivalence (1990, ETS 141): a) in their mutual relations apply the only the provisions of this Convention; (b)), continue to apply the above mentioned conventions to which the country is party, in its relations with other countries which are also parties to the above-mentioned Convention, but is not a party to this Convention. 2. the parties to this Convention undertake not to join any of the conventions referred to in paragraph 1, for which they are not already joined, except for the International Convention on higher education courses, diploma and degree recognition in the Mediterranean Arab countries and European countries (1976). 5. Article XI 1. each State may at the time of signature or ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, specify a particular territory or territories to which this Convention applies. 2. each State may, later one of the depositary notification addressed to extend the application of this Convention to any territory specified in this notice. In respect of such territory the Convention shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the date on which was a month from the date of the depositary notification received. 3. Any notification made under the two preceding paragraphs may, in respect of any territory specified in the notice, may be undone by another one of the depositaries of a notification adressed. Withdrawal shall take effect on the first day of the month following the date on which was a month from the date of the depositary notification received. 6. Article XI 1. Either party may at any time denounce this Convention by submitting one of the depositaries of a notification adressed. 2. the denonsējum shall enter into force on the first day of the month following after the eighth of twelve months from the date of the notification by the depositary. However, such denunciation shall not affect, in accordance with the provisions of this Convention, decisions on recognition. 3. the issue of the termination of this Convention or of the suspension due to the fact that any party has violated any of the provisions of this Convention, which is the essential task of this Convention and to achieve the targets, reviewable in accordance with international law. 7. Article XI 1. Each country, Holy see or the European Community may, at the time of signature or ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, declare that it reserves the right to totally or partially not apply one or more of the following articles of this Convention: article IV; 3. Article v; 3. Article VI; 2. Article VIII; 3. Article IX. Other reservations are not permitted. 2. Each party, which made a reservation under the preceding paragraph may be withdrawn, in whole or in part with one of the depositaries of a notification adressed. Withdrawal shall take effect on the date on which the depositary has received such notification. 3. a party, which expressed its reservation in respect of any of the provisions of this Convention, may not require the other party to the application of these rules; However, if its reservation is partial or conditional, this associated party may require the application of this rule to the extent that it has accepted itself. 8. Article XI of this Convention 1 draft amendments to the party a two-thirds majority, may adopt a Committee set up to implement the Convention of the European region on the recognition of qualifications related to higher education. Every such amendment shall be incorporated in the Convention adopted the Protocol. The Protocol lays down the procedures for the entry into force, which in any case must be made that the party who assumes the obligations of this Convention, to give his consent. 2. in paragraph 1 of this article in the order cannot be amended in section III of this Convention. 3. any proposal for amendment shall be communicated to one of the depositaries, who shall transmit to the parties at least three months before the meetings of the Committee. The depositary shall also inform the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe and the UNESCO Executive Board. 9. Article XI 1. Depositary of this Convention is the Secretary General of the Council of Europe and the United Nations Educational, scientific and Cultural Organization Director-General. 2. The depositary shall be deposited on the document or notice, inform the parties of this Convention, as well as other Council of Europe and UNESCO, or European countries for: (a) any signature;) b) each instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession depositing; (c)) date of entry into force of this Convention in accordance with article 2 and XI XI, article 3, paragraph 4; (d) each reservation) in accordance with the provisions of article XI and any withdrawal of the reservation in accordance with the provisions of article XI; e) denonsējum of this Convention to each, in accordance with the provisions of article 6, XI; (f) a statement that each) submitted in accordance with annexes II or III article 2 1; g) each communication submitted in accordance with the provisions of article 5, IV; (h) each request for accession), submitted in accordance with the provisions of article XI; I) each proposal, expressed in accordance with article XI; (j)) any other document or communication relating to this Convention. 3. the depositary receiving a communication or notice given in accordance with the provisions of this Convention, the depositary shall immediately inform each other thereof. In witness whereof, this Convention is signed by duly authorized representatives. Adopted in Lisbon on 11 April 1997, in the English, French, Russian and Spanish languages in duplicate, and all four versions have the same legal force. One copy shall be deposited in the archives of the Council of Europe and the second-the United Nations Educational, scientific and cultural organisation's archives. Certified true copy is sent to all 1 XI. the States referred to in article, the Holy seat and the European Community, as well as the United Nations Secretariat.