-8Article 26
1
In evaluating the adequacy of the measures taken by the Parties to give effect to the
principles set out in this framework Convention the Committee of Ministers shall be
assisted by an advisory committee, the members of which shall have recognised
expertise in the field of the protection of national minorities.
2
The composition of this advisory committee and its procedure shall be determined by
the Committee of Ministers within a period of one year following the entry into force of
this framework Convention.
Section V
Article 27
This framework Convention shall be open for signature by the member States of the
Council of Europe. Up until the date when the Convention enters into force, it shall also
be open for signature by any other State so invited by the Committee of Ministers. It is
subject to ratification, acceptance or approval. Instruments of ratification, acceptance or
approval shall be deposited with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.
Article 28
1
This framework Convention shall enter into force on the first day of the month
following the expiration of a period of three months after the date on which twelve
member States of the Council of Europe have expressed their consent to be bound by
the Convention in accordance with the provisions of Article 27.
2
In respect of any member State which subsequently expresses its consent to be bound
by it, the framework Convention shall enter into force on the first day of the month
following the expiration of a period of three months after the date of the deposit of the
instrument of ratification, acceptance or approval.
Article 29
1
After the entry into force of this framework Convention and after consulting the
Contracting States, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe may invite to
accede to the Convention, by a decision taken by the majority provided for in Article
20.d of the Statute of the Council of Europe, any non-member State of the Council of
Europe which, invited to sign in accordance with the provisions of Article 27, has not
yet done so, and any other non-member State.
2
In respect of any acceding State, the framework Convention shall enter into force on the
first day of the month following the expiration of a period of three months after the
date of the deposit of the instrument of accession with the Secretary General of the
Council of Europe.
Article 30
1
Any State may at the time of signature or when depositing its instrument of ratification,
acceptance, approval or accession, specify the territory or territories for whose
international relations it is responsible to which this framework Convention shall
apply.