On 21 November 2000, an ICSID Tribunal consisting of Judge Francisco Rezek, President, Judge Thomas Buergenthal and Mr. Peter Trooboff unanimously dismissed a claim brought by Compañía de Aguas del Aconquija S.A. and its parent company, now Vivendi Universal (“the Claimants”) against the Argentine Republic. On 20 March 2001, the Claimants requested annulment of the award pursuant to Article 52 of the ICSID Convention. Under Article 52 (3), the Chairman of the Administrative Council appointed three members of the Panel of Arbitrators, the undersigned and Mr. Yves Fortier, C.C., Q.C., as an ad hoc Committee to consider the request. The three members agreed that Mr. Fortier would be the President of the Committee.1 At its first session in Washington on 21 June 2001, all members made declarations in terms of Rule 6 of the Arbitration Rules. Mr. Fortier qualified his declaration in one respect, and the Respondent reserved the right to challenge him. Subsequently it did so.