At the request of the participants (Ecuador, the European Communities and the United States) in the disputes European Communities — Regime for the Importation, Sale and Distribution of Bananas — Second Recourse to Article 21.5 of the DSU by Ecuador (WT/DS27/RW2/ECU) and European Communities — Regime for the Importation, Sale and Distribution of Bananas — Recourse to Article 21.5 of the DSU by the United States (WT/DS27/RW/USA and Corr.1), the Division hearing the appeals has decided to open the oral hearing to public observation by WTO Members and the general public via simultaneous closed-circuit broadcast to a separate viewing room. The oral hearing will take place on 16 and 17 October 2008.

In the light of limited seating capacity, the places reserved for the public will be allocated on a first come, first served basis upon receipt of the completed registration form. Completed forms should be sent by e-mail only to the following address: [email protected]. Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m., Geneva time, on Friday, 26 September. Those to whom seats have been allocated will be advised by e-mail by Wednesday, 1 October, at which time further information regarding the hearing will be provided. Those attending will need to present a valid passport to access the viewing room. Please note that no audio / video recording will be permitted. Portable phones will need to be switched off throughout the hearing. Security checks may delay access to the viewing room.

The WTO is unable to offer any support, including financial, for accommodation, flight arrangements or visas.

ONLY THOSE WITH RESERVED SEATS WILL BE ADMITTED.