10 its 24th Ordinary Session from 19 to 30 March 2012. The actual dates proposed for the public hearing were 26 to 27 March 2012. 31. By a letter dated 21 December 2011, the Registrar informed the Parties of the proposed dates for the public hearing and requested them to confirm their availability, and also whether the proposed dates would suit them; they were asked to do so no later than 20 January 2012. 32. By a Note Verbale dated 19 January 2012 and received at the Registry of the Court on 7 February 2012, the Respondent informed the Registrar that the dates proposed for the hearings were not convenient and requested that the hearings be rescheduled to 11 and 12 April 2012. 33. By a letter dated 3 February 2012, the Registrar acknowledged receipt of the Respondent’s letter of 19 January 2012. 34. By a letter dated 20 January 2012 and received at the Registry of the Court on 7 February 2012, the 1st Applicants informed the Registry of their availability for the public hearing on the dates proposed by the Court. 35. By a letter dated 8 February 2012, the Registrar acknowledged receipt of the 1st Applicants’ letter of 20 January 2012. 36. By separate letters both dated 13 March 2012, the Registrar informed the Parties that the public hearing would take place during the