6 CETS 200 – Avoidance of statelessness in relation to State succession, 19.V.2006 _______________________________________________________________________________________________ 3 If several States concerned make a declaration, as set out in paragraph 2, in respect of the same State succession, this Convention will apply between the States making such declaration. Article 16 – Effects of this Convention 1 The provisions of this Convention shall not prejudice the provisions of internal law and binding international instruments which are already in force or may come into force, under which more favourable rights are or would be accorded to individuals on the avoidance of statelessness. 2 This Convention does not prejudice the application of: a the European Convention on Nationality, in particular its Chapter VI relating to State succession and nationality; b other binding international instruments in so far as such instruments are compatible with this Convention, in the relationship between the States Parties bound by these instruments. Article 17 – Settlement of disputes Any dispute concerning the interpretation or application of this Convention shall primarily be settled through negotiation. Article 18 – Signature and entry into force 1 This Convention shall be open for signature by the member States of the Council of Europe and the non‐member States which have participated in its elaboration. Such States may express their consent to be bound by: a signature without reservation as to ratification, acceptance or approval; or b signature subject to ratification, acceptance or approval, followed by ratification, acceptance or approval. Instruments of ratification, acceptance or approval shall be deposited with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe. 2 This Convention shall enter into force, for all States having expressed their consent to be bound by the Convention, on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of three months after the date on which three member States of the Council of Europe have expressed their consent to be bound by this Convention in accordance with the provisions of the preceding paragraph.