AGREEMENT IN THE FORM OF AN EXCHANGE OF LETTERS concerning the provisional application of the Agreement on cooperation in the sea fisheries sector between the European Community and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania

A. Letter from the European Community

Sir,

With reference to the Agreement on cooperation in the sea fisheries sector between the European Community and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, initialled in Brussels on 20 June 1996, I have the honour to inform you that the European Community is ready to apply this Agreement on a provisional basis from 1 August 1996, pending its entry into force, provided that the Islamic Republic of Mauritania is disposed to do likewise.

This is on the understanding that, in that case, in accordance with Article 3 of the Protocol, the first instalment of the financial compensation specified in Article 2 of the Protocol shall be paid by 30 November 1996 at the latest. However, the Community shall do its utmost to act sooner.

I should be obliged if you would acknowledge receipt of this letter on such provisional application and confirm your agreement with its contents.

Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration.

On behalf of the Council of the European Union

B. Letter from the Government of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania

Gentlemen,

I am in receipt of your letter of today's date which reads as follows:

'With reference to the Agreement on cooperation in the sea fisheries sector between the European Community and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, initialled in Brussels on 20 June 1996, I have the honour to inform you that the European Community is ready to apply this Agreement on a provisional basis from 1 August 1996; pending its entry into force, provided that the Islamic Republic of Mauritania is disposed to do likewise.

This is on the understanding that, in that case, in accordance with Article 3 of the Protocol, the first instalment of the financial compensation specified in Article 2 of the Protocol shall be paid by 30 November 1996 at the latest. However, the Community shall do its utmost to act sooner.

I should be obliged if you would acknowledge receipt of this letter on such provisional application and confirm your agreement with its contents.`

I have the honour to confirm that the contents of your letter are acceptable to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania and that your letter and this one constitute an Agreement in accordance with your proposal.

Please accept, Gentlemen, the assurance of my highest consideration.

For the Government of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania