A. THE CLAIMANTS’ EXTENSION REQUEST

1. In accordance with Procedural Order No. 8, the Claimants had until 13 January 2013 to submit their Reply on the merits and the Respondent had until 13 February 2013 to submit its Rejoinder on the merits.

2. By e-mail dated 2 January 2013, the Claimants informed the Tribunal that the Parties had reached an agreement on a brief extension of the deadlines for the submission of the Reply and Rejoinder on the merits, until 21 January 2013 and 20 February 2013, respectively. The Claimants also noted that this extension would not affect the dates for the hearing.

3. By subsequent e-mail of the same date, the Respondent confirmed the abovementioned agreement.

4. By e-mail of the same date, the Tribunal accepted the agreement reached by the Parties regarding the extension of the deadlines for the submission of the Reply and the Rejoinder on the merits.