Correct Option: C. Conference Detailed Explanation: The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is an intergovernmental organization of oil-exporting countries that coordinates and unifies the petroleum policies of its member countries. The process of admitting new members to OPEC is a significant decision that involves various levels of governance within the organization.

1. Understanding OPEC's Structure:
2. OPEC has several key bodies, each with distinct roles:
   • The Conference: This is the supreme decision-making body of OPEC, consisting of the oil ministers of member countries. It meets regularly to discuss and make decisions on various matters, including the admission of new members.
   • The Secretariat: This is the administrative body that handles the day-to-day operations of OPEC. It provides support and implements the decisions made by the Conference but does not have the authority to admit new members.
   • The Summit: This term generally refers to high-level meetings, often involving heads of state or government, but it is not a formal body within OPEC that handles membership issues.
   • The Board of Governors: This body is responsible for overseeing the Secretariat and ensuring that the policies set by the Conference are implemented. However, it does not have the authority to admit new members.
3. Role of the Conference in Membership Admission:
4. The Conference is where the final decision regarding the admission of new members is made. This includes evaluating the application of potential new members, discussing their qualifications, and ultimately voting on their admission.
5. The criteria for membership typically include the country’s oil production capacity, its willingness to cooperate with OPEC’s policies, and its overall economic stability.
6. Why Other Options Are Incorrect:
7. A. Summit: While summits may discuss broader issues related to oil production and global energy policies, they do not have a formal role in the admission of new members. The decision-making power lies with the Conference.
8. B. Secretariat: The Secretariat serves an administrative function and supports the Conference but does not have the authority to admit new members. Its role is to implement the decisions made by the Conference.
9. D. Board of Governors: Similar to the Secretariat, the Board of Governors oversees the Secretariat and ensures that the Conference's decisions are executed. However, it does not have the power to admit new members; that responsibility lies solely with the Conference.

Summary of Key Points:

• The Conference is the supreme decision-making body of OPEC responsible for admitting new members.
• The Secretariat and Board of Governors support the Conference but do not have the authority to admit new members.
• The Summit refers to high-level meetings but is not a formal decision-making body regarding membership.
• Understanding the structure and roles within OPEC is crucial for grasping how decisions are made regarding membership and policy.

Revision Summary:

• OPEC's membership admission is handled by the Conference.
• The Secretariat and Board of Governors support but do not decide on membership.
• The Summit is not a formal body for membership decisions.
• Familiarity with OPEC's structure is essential for understanding its decision-making processes.