1. INTRODUCTION 

1.1. By letter dated 22 September 2014, the United States of America, a non-disputing party, filed a submission on two issues of treaty interpretation (“the Submission”) as was its right under Article 10.19.2 of the US–Oman Free Trade Agreement (“the FTA”).1 

1.2. By letter dated 24 September 2014, the Claimant objected to the Submission on the grounds that (a) it was out of time; and/or (b) it exceeded the US’ permitted scope of participation under the FTA. Claimant sought leave to respond to the Submission. 

1.3. By letter dated 26 September 2014, the Respondent expressed its view that no response was needed given that (a) allowing the Submission would cause no prejudice to the Claimant; and (b) the Submission was directed to issues of treaty interpretation only. 

1.4. By letter dated 29 September 2014, the US argued that its Submission was neither untimely nor outside the scope of Article 10.19.2. 

1.5. The Tribunal has conferred on the issues raised by the Submission and directs as follows.