Artikel 115

1. Observers
1.1. In order to ensure effective liaison between the work of the two bodies, the Council of Administration may designate representatives to attend Postal Operations Council meetings as observers.
1.2. Member countries of the Union which are not members of the Council, as well as the observers and ad hoc observers referred to in article 105, may participate in the plenary sessions and Committee meetings of the Postal Operations Council, without the right to vote.
1.3. Members of the Consultative Committee, as well as the other observers and ad hoc observers referred to in article 105, have the right to attend meetings of the standing groups, task forces and other bodies of the Postal Operations Council as observers, without the right to vote, subject to the provisions of paragraph 2.3.
2. Principles
2.1. For logistical reasons, the Postal Operations Council may limit the number of attendees per observer and ad hoc observer participating. It may also limit their right to speak during the debates.
2.2. Observers and ad hoc observers may, at their request, be allowed to cooperate in the studies undertaken, subject to such conditions as the Council may establish to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of its work. They may also be invited to chair standing groups and task forces when their experience or expertise justifies it. The participation of observers and ad hoc observers shall be carried out without additional expense for the Union.
2.3. In exceptional circumstances, members of the Consultative Committee and ad hoc observers may be excluded from a meeting or a portion of a meeting or may have their right to receive documents restricted if the confidentiality of the subject of the meeting or document so requires. This restriction may be decided on a case-by-case basis by any body concerned, or by its Chair in consultation with the Chair of the Postal Operations Council and the Secretary General. The case-by-case situations shall be reported to the Council of Administration and to the Postal Operations Council. If it considers this necessary, the Council of Administration may subsequently review restrictions, in consultation with the Postal Operations Council where appropriate. Strictly in so far as prospective meetings are concerned, notification of restrictions shall preferably be sent to the members of the Consultative Committee and ad hoc observers concerned at least 14 days in advance of the relevant meeting (or as soon as possible in the case of urgent meetings convened less than 14 days following issuance of the relevant invitation by the International Bureau). Accordingly, such notifications shall not apply in the event of exclusions or document access restrictions deemed necessary in the context of an ongoing meeting of the body concerned.