1. The Tribunal has carefully considered Respondents’ request for bifurcation in their Memorial on Preliminary Objections (12 November 2012) and Claimants’ reply comments (12 December 2012). 

2. The Tribunal notes that Claimants have confirmed their agreement to drop AVAS as a party to these proceedings, on condition that “such confirmation is not recorded or construed as release of AVAS in relation to the disputed matters or a waiver in respect of attributable of AVAS’s misconducts to the State.” Absent any further observations by Respondents, to be received not later than fourteen (14) calendars days following this communication, AVAS will no longer be considered a Party to these proceedings. 

3. Subject to the directions set forth below, with respect to amicable solution and domestic remedies, the Tribunal declines to bifurcate these proceedings into a preliminary jurisdictional phase followed by a stage to decide the merits of the case.