| 1. |
Each partner shall bear the costs of fulfilling
its respective responsibilities under this Agreement, including sharing
on an equitable basis the agreed common system operations costs or
activities attributed to the operation of the Space Station as a whole,
as provided in the MOUs and implementing arrangements. |
| 2. |
Financial obligations of each Partner pursuant
to this Agreement are subject to its funding procedures and the availability
of appropriated funds. Recognizing the importance of Space Station
cooperation, each partner undertakes to make its best efforts to obtain
approval for funds to meet those obligations, consistent with its
respective funding procedures. |
| 3. |
In the event that funding problems arise
that may affect a Partner's ability to fulfill its responsibilities
in Space Station cooperation, that Partner, acting through its Cooperating
Agency, shall notify and consult with the other Cooperating Agencies.
If necessary, the Partners may also consult. |
| 4. |
The Partners shall seek to minimize operations
costs for the Space Station. In particular, the Partners, through
their Cooperating Agencies, in accordance with the provisions of the
MOUs, shall develop procedures intended to contain the common system
operations costs and activities within approved estimated levels. |
| 5. |
The Partners shall also seek to minimize
the exchange of funds in the implementation of Space Station cooperation,
including through the performance of specific operations activities
as provided in the MOUs and implementing arrangements or, if the concerned
Partners agree, through the use of barter. |
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