I. PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

A. REGISTRATION OF THE REQUEST FOR ARBITRATION

1. On 6 June 2003, the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (hereinafter the "Centre") received a request for arbitration (hereinafter the "Request") submitted by El Paso Energy International Company (hereinafter "El Paso" or "the Claimant"), a company organised under the laws of the State of Delaware (United States of America) against the Republic of Argentina (hereinafter "Argentina," "the Respondent," "the respondent State," "the respondent Government" or "GOA").

2. On the same date, in accordance with Rule 5 of the ICSID Rules of Procedure for the Institution of Conciliation and Arbitration Proceedings ("Institution Rules"), the Acting Secretary-General of the Centre acknowledged receipt of the Claimant’s Request.