On September 11, 2002, the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (“ICSID” or “the Centre”) received from Mr. R. Doak Bishop a Request for Arbitration under the Convention for the Settlement of Investment Disputes between States and Nationals of other States (“ICSID Convention” or “the Convention”) on behalf of Sempra Energy International (“Sempra”) against the Argentine Republic. The request relates to disputes with the Argentine Republic regarding measures adopted by the Argentine authorities which, it is argued, have changed the general regulatory framework established for foreign investors in a way which the Claimant asserts severely affects Sempra's investment in two natural gas distribution companies which together serve seven Argentine provinces. In its request, Sempra invokes the provisions contained in the 1991 treaty between Argentina and the United States concerning the reciprocal encouragement and protection of investment (the “Bilateral Investment Treaty” of the “BIT”).