"Membership in the Center is open to all States as well as intergovernmental organizations. States and intergovernmental organizations may apply to become a member of the Center. The Assembly shall take a decision on admission of the applicant, upon the recommendation of the Council. Membership becomes effective as soon as the applicant has deposited its instrument of ratification or acceptance of membership."

(Article 8, Chapter III, ICPE Statute, adopted by the 3^rd special Session of ICPE Assembly, 16 October 1997).