AGREEMENT in the form of an Exchange of Letters concerning the provisional application of the Protocol establishing the fishing rights and financial contribution provided for in the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire on fishing off the coast of Côte d'Ivoire for the period 1 July 1997 to 30 June 2000

A. Letter from the Government of Côte d'Ivoire

Sir,

With reference to the Protocol initialled on 30 June 1997 establishing the fishing rights and financial contribution for the period 1 July 1997 to 30 June 2000, I have the honour to inform you that the Government of Côte d'Ivoire is willing to apply the Protocol provisionally, with effect from 1 July 1997, pending its entry into force in accordance with Article 8 thereof, provided that the European Community is prepared to do likewise.

This is on the understanding that the first instalment, equal to one third of the financial compensation laid down by Article 3 of the Protocol, must be paid before 31 December 1997.

I should be grateful if you would confirm the Community's agreement to such a provisional application.

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

For the Government of Côte d'Ivoire

B. Letter from the Community

Sir,

I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of today's date, which reads as follows:

'With reference to the Protocol initialled on 30 June 1997 establishing the fishing rights and financial contribution for the period 1 July 1997 to 30 June 2000, I have the honour to inform you that the Government of Côte d'Ivoire is willing to apply the Protocol provisionally, with effect from 1 July 1997, pending its entry into force in accordance with Article 8 thereof, provided that the European Community is prepared to do likewise.

This is on the understanding that the first instalment, equal to one third of the financial compensation laid down by Article 3 of the Protocol, must be paid before 31 December 1997.

I should be grateful if you would confirm the Community's agreement to such a provisional application.`

I have the honour to confirm the Community's agreement to such a provisional application.

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

On behalf of the Council of the European Union