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the position of the Organization, on Article IX as set forth above the Director-General is authorized to sign the agreement without any article on this subject and to continue discussions with the United Nations and to report to the next session of the Conference. Relationship with International Non-governmental Organizations The Conference, recognizing the importance of establishing the closest possible co-operation with international non-governmental organizations which may be of assistance to the Organization in achieving its fundamental objectives, establishes the following procedures for achieving such co-operation : A. The non-governmental organizations shall be classified into three categories : 1. Important international organizations with interests covering a large part of FAO's field of activity and of a standing that renders their views on policy a matter of great interest to governments and to FAO. 2. Significant international organizations that are interested in the promotion of one or more of the specific aims of FAO. 3. International scientific organizations. B. The procedures for each of these categories shall be as follows : 1. Category 1 (a) The organizations to be placed in this category shall be determined by the Conference upon recommendation by the Executive Committee. (b) Procedures and privileges for organizations to be placed in this category shall be determined by the Conference upon recommendation of the Executive Committee. The list of organizations in this category shall be reviewed annually. (c) Privileges to be conferred on organizations in this category shall include the right of representation at the Conference by an observer, who may be accompanied by advisers, without the right to vote ; the provision by the Director-General to the organization, in advance of the session, of documents bearing on policy or technical questions ; provision for circulation to the Conference of the organization's views in writing without abridgment; the right to speak before the special committee of the Executive Committee provided for in paragraph E; the right to speak before technical committees of the Conference but not to participate in discussions unless requested by the Chairman; and upon request addressed to the DirectorGeneral and with the consent of the General Committee of the Conference, the right to speak before the Conference itself. 2. Category 2 (a) Organizations to be placed in this category shall be determined by the Director-General, who shall report annually to the Conference on all applications received from organizations and the specific action taken with respect to each.