8 Article 7 SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES 1. Any dispute or differences between States Parties arising from interpretation or application of the provisions of this Protocol shall be resolved amicably through direct consultations between the States Parties concerned. 2. In the event of failure to settle the dispute under sub paragraph 1 above, either State Party may refer the dispute to the Assembly through the Chairperson, pending the entry into force of the Court of Justice of the African Union, which shall have jurisdiction over such disputes. 3. In the case where either or both States Parties are not Members of the Court of Justice of the African Union, either or both State Parties may refer the dispute to the International Court of Justice for a settlement in conformity with its Statutes. Article 8 EXTRADITION 1. The Convention shall constitute an adequate legal basis for extradition for States Parties that do not have extradition arrangements. 2. Should any dispute arise between State Parties on the interpretation or applicability of any existing bilateral extradition agreement or arrangement, the provisions of the Convention shall prevail with respect to extradition. Article 9 SIGNATURE, RATIFICATION AND ACCESSION 1. The present Protocol shall be open for signature, ratification or accession by the Member States of the Union in accordance with their respective constitutional procedures. 2. The ratification of or accession to this Protocol shall require the prior ratification of or accession to the Convention by Member States concerned.