institutional framework by which Member States could co-ordinate policies and activities in the area of politics, defence and security; DETERMINED to achieve solidarity, peace and security in the Region through close cooperation on matters of politics, defence and security; DESIROUS TO ENSURE that close cooperation on matters of politics, defence and security shall at all times promote the peaceful settlement of disputes by negotiation, conciliation, mediation or arbitration; ACTING in pursuance of Article 10A of the Treaty; HEREBY AGREE AS FOLLOWS: Article 1 Definitions 1. In this Protocol terms and expressions defined in Article 1 of the Treaty shall bear the same meaning unless the context otherwise requires. 2. In this Protocol, unless the context otherwise requires: Chairperson means the Chairperson of the Organ; ISDSC means the Inter-State Defence and Security Committee; ISPDC means the Inter-State Politics and Diplomacy Committee. Signatory means a Member State which signs this Protocol; State Party means a Member State that has ratified or acceded to this Protocol. 54