Agreement in the form of an exchange of letters

concerning the provisional application of the protocol setting out, for the period from 1 July 2004 to 30 June 2007, the fishing opportunities 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

A. Letter from the Government of Côte d'Ivoire

Sir,

With reference to the Protocol initialled on 3 March 2004 in Brussels setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution for the period from 1 July 2004 to 30 June 2007, I have the honour to inform you that the Government of Côte d'Ivoire is prepared to apply the Protocol provisionally, with effect from 1 July 2004, pending its entry into force in accordance with Article 10 of the said Protocol, provided that the European Community is disposed to do likewise.

Accordingly, the first instalment of the financial contribution specified in Article 3 of the Protocol is to be paid by 31 December 2004.

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

I should be obliged if you would acknowledge receipt of this letter.

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

For the Government of Côte d'Ivoire

B. Letter from the European Community

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 3 March 2004 in Brussels setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution for the period from 1 July 2004 to 30 June 2007, I have the honour to inform you that the Government of Côte d'Ivoire is prepared to apply the Protocol provisionally, with effect from 1 July 2004, pending its entry into force in accordance with Article 10 of the said Protocol, provided that the European Community is disposed to do likewise.

Accordingly, the first instalment of the financial contribution specified in Article 3 of the Protocol is to be paid by 31 December 2004.

I should be obliged if you would confirm the European Community's agreement to such provisional application."

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

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

On behalf of the Council of the European Union

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