"3. A person who does not consent to a request pursuant to article 13 or accept an invitation pursuant to article 14 shall not, by reason thereof, be liable to any penalty or be subjected to any coercive measure, notwithstanding any contrary statement in the request or summons. 131/ These provisions may be required as the only way of securing important evidence in proceedings involving serious national and transnational crime. However, as they may raise difficulties for some countries, the precise content of the article, including any additions or modifications, can be determined in bilateral negotiations. "ARTICLE 16 Other records Щ / "1. The Requested State shall provide copies of documents and records in so far as they are open to public access as part of a public register or otherwise, or in so far as they are available for purchase or inspection by the public. "2. The Requested State may provide copies of any other document or record under the same conditions as such document or record may be provided to its own law enforcement and judicial authorities. "ARTICLE 17 "Search and seizure 113/ "The Requested State shall, in so far as its law permits, carry out requests for search and seizure and delivery of any material to the Requesting State for evidentiary purposes, provided that the rights of bona fide third parties are protected. "ARTICLE 18 "Certification ang au-thgnticatign 134/ "A request for assistance and the supporting documents thereto, as well as documents or other material supplied in response to such a request, shall not require certification or authentication. 132/ The question may arise whether this should be discretionary. This provision can be the subject of bilateral negotiations. 133/ Bilateral arrangements may cover the provision of information on the results of search and seizure and the observance of conditions imposed in relation 
**Analysis**
This text appears to be a set of articles or provisions related to international cooperation and mutual assistance between countries in the context of law enforcement and judicial proceedings. The content focuses on the exchange of information, documents, and records, as well as search and seizure procedures, all aimed at securing evidence for serious national and transnational crimes.

**Category**
International trade, Industry, Humanitarian aid and relief