Article 18 - Settlement Board

Purpose

The parties agreed that it would be helpful to establish an informal, nonbinding forum (a "Settlement Board") to help facilitate the implementation of the Framework Agreement. The idea was to use this vehicle to arrive at innovative and practical solutions to problems before they became disputes requiring binding arbitration or court proceedings.

Establishment Of Settlement Board

As such, the parties agreed to establish a Settlement Board within six (6) months of the execution of the Framework Agreement, the terms of reference for which are still in their formative stages. Any party to the Framework Agreement can submit a question to the Settlement Board. The Settlement Board can issue recommendations which are not binding, and are for "guidance and direction" only. All proceedings before the Settlement Board are strictly "without prejudice". A review of the Settlement Board and its operations is to be conducted after a six (6) month trial period.

Costs

Each party shall be responsible for its own costs incurred in connection with the Settlement Board unless otherwise agreed among the parties.

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