# Official Journal L 139/2017

| | ISSN 1977-0677 |
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| Official Journal
  of the European Union | L 139 |
| | |
| English edition | Legislation | Volume 6030 May 2017 |

ISSN 1977-0677

Official Journal

of the European Union

L 139

English edition

Legislation

Volume 6030 May 2017

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| Contents | | II   Non-legislative acts | page |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS |
| | * | Information relating to the entry into force of the Agreement between the European Union and the Principality of Liechtenstein on supplementary rules in relation to the instrument for financial support for external borders and visa, as part of the Internal Security Fund for the period 2014 to 2020 | 1 |
| | | REGULATIONS |
| | * | Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/906 of 29 May 2017 implementing Article 17(3) of Regulation (EU) No 224/2014 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in the Central African Republic | 2 |
| | * | Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/907 of 29 May 2017 implementing Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria | 15 |
| | * | Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/908 of 11 May 2017 approving non-minor amendments to the specification for a name entered in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications (Picodon (PDO)) | 23 |
| | * | Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/909 of 11 May 2017 approving non-minor amendments to the specification for a name entered in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications (Huile d'olive de Corse/Huile d'olive de Corse — Oliu di Corsica (PDO)) | 25 |
| | * | Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/910 of 11 May 2017 approving non-minor amendments to the specification for a name entered in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications (Cornish Sardines (PGI)) | 27 |
| | * | Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/911 of 24 May 2017 amending Regulation (EC) No 1484/95 as regards fixing representative prices in the poultrymeat and egg sectors and for egg albumin | 28 |
| | * | Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/912 of 29 May 2017 concerning the authorisation of the preparation of Lactobacillus plantarum DSM 29024 as a feed additive for all animal species (
  1
  ) | 30 |
| | * | Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/913 of 29 May 2017 concerning the authorisation of a preparation of fumonisin esterase produced by Komagataella pastoris (DSM 26643) as a feed additive for all avian species (
  1
  ) | 33 |
| | | Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/914 of 29 May 2017 establishing the standard import values for determining the entry price of certain fruit and vegetables | 36 |
| | | DECISIONS |
| | * | Council Decision (CFSP) 2017/915 of 29 May 2017 on Union outreach activities in support of the implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty | 38 |
| | * | Council Implementing Decision (CFSP) 2017/916 of 29 May 2017 implementing Decision 2013/798/CFSP concerning restrictive measures against the Central African Republic | 49 |
| | * | Council Decision (CFSP) 2017/917 of 29 May 2017 amending Decision 2013/255/CFSP concerning restrictive measures against Syria | 62 |
| | * | Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2017/918 of 23 May 2017 identifying Saint Vincent and the Grenadines as a non-cooperating third country in fighting illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing | 70 |
| | * | Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2017/919 of 29 May 2017 amending Implementing Decision (EU) 2016/1942 on the specifications of the European Investment Project Portal | 78 |

Contents

II   Non-legislative acts

page

INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS

*

Information relating to the entry into force of the Agreement between the European Union and the Principality of Liechtenstein on supplementary rules in relation to the instrument for financial support for external borders and visa, as part of the Internal Security Fund for the period 2014 to 2020

1

REGULATIONS

*

Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/906 of 29 May 2017 implementing Article 17(3) of Regulation (EU) No 224/2014 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in the Central African Republic

2

*

Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/907 of 29 May 2017 implementing Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria

15

*

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/908 of 11 May 2017 approving non-minor amendments to the specification for a name entered in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications (Picodon (PDO))

23

*

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/909 of 11 May 2017 approving non-minor amendments to the specification for a name entered in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications (Huile d'olive de Corse/Huile d'olive de Corse — Oliu di Corsica (PDO))

25

*

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/910 of 11 May 2017 approving non-minor amendments to the specification for a name entered in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications (Cornish Sardines (PGI))

27

*

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/911 of 24 May 2017 amending Regulation (EC) No 1484/95 as regards fixing representative prices in the poultrymeat and egg sectors and for egg albumin

28

*

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/912 of 29 May 2017 concerning the authorisation of the preparation of Lactobacillus plantarum DSM 29024 as a feed additive for all animal species (
  1
  )

Lactobacillus plantarum

1

30

*

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/913 of 29 May 2017 concerning the authorisation of a preparation of fumonisin esterase produced by Komagataella pastoris (DSM 26643) as a feed additive for all avian species (
  1
  )

Komagataella pastoris

1

33

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/914 of 29 May 2017 establishing the standard import values for determining the entry price of certain fruit and vegetables

36

DECISIONS

*

Council Decision (CFSP) 2017/915 of 29 May 2017 on Union outreach activities in support of the implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty

38

*

Council Implementing Decision (CFSP) 2017/916 of 29 May 2017 implementing Decision 2013/798/CFSP concerning restrictive measures against the Central African Republic

49

*

Council Decision (CFSP) 2017/917 of 29 May 2017 amending Decision 2013/255/CFSP concerning restrictive measures against Syria

62

*

Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2017/918 of 23 May 2017 identifying Saint Vincent and the Grenadines as a non-cooperating third country in fighting illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing

70

*

Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2017/919 of 29 May 2017 amending Implementing Decision (EU) 2016/1942 on the specifications of the European Investment Project Portal

78

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| | (1)   Text with EEA relevance. |

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(1)   Text with EEA relevance.

1

| EN | Acts whose titles are printed in light type are those relating to day-to-day management of agricultural matters, and are generally valid for a limited period.
  The titles of all other Acts are printed in bold type and preceded by an asterisk. |
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EN

Acts whose titles are printed in light type are those relating to day-to-day management of agricultural matters, and are generally valid for a limited period.

The titles of all other Acts are printed in bold type and preceded by an asterisk.

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II Non-legislative acts

INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS

| 30.5.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 139/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

30.5.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 139/1

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Information relating to the entry into force of the Agreement between the European Union and the Principality of Liechtenstein on supplementary rules in relation to the instrument for financial support for external borders and visa, as part of the Internal Security Fund for the period 2014 to 2020

The Agreement between the European Union and the Principality of Liechtenstein entered into force on 1 May 2017, the procedure provided for in Article 19.3 of the Agreement having been completed on 28 April 2017.

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REGULATIONS

| 30.5.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 139/2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

30.5.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 139/2

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COUNCIL IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2017/906

of 29 May 2017

implementing Article 17(3) of Regulation (EU) No 224/2014 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in the Central African Republic

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EU) No 224/2014 of 10 March 2014 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in the Central African Republic (1), and in particular Article 17(3) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,

Whereas:

| (1) | On 10 March 2014, the Council adopted Regulation (EU) No 224/2014. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

On 10 March 2014, the Council adopted Regulation (EU) No 224/2014.

| (2) | On 12 January 2017, the United Nations Security Council Committee, established pursuant to United Nations Security Council Resolution 2127 (2013), updated the information relating to ten persons and two entities subject to restrictive measures. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

On 12 January 2017, the United Nations Security Council Committee, established pursuant to United Nations Security Council Resolution 2127 (2013), updated the information relating to ten persons and two entities subject to restrictive measures.

| (3) | Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 224/2014 should therefore be amended accordingly, |
| --- | --- |

(3)

Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 224/2014 should therefore be amended accordingly,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 224/2014 is amended as set out in the Annex to this Regulation.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on the date of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels, 29 May 2017.

For the Council

The President

C. CARDONA

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(1)  
  OJ L 70, 11.3.2014, p. 1.

1

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ANNEX

The entries concerning the persons and entities listed below are replaced by the following entries:

‘A.   Persons

1.   François Yangouvonda BOZIZÉ (alias: a) Bozize Yangouvonda)

Date of Birth: 14 October 1946.

Place of Birth: Mouila, Gabon.

Nationality: Central African Republic.

Address: Uganda.

Date of UN designation: 9 May 2014.

Other information:

Mother's name is Martine Kofio. INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice web link: https://www.interpol.int/en/notice/search/un/5802796

Information from the narrative summary of reasons for listing provided by the Sanctions Committee:

Bozize was listed on 9 May 2014 pursuant to paragraph 36 of Resolution 2134 (2014) as ‘engaging in or providing support for acts that undermine the peace, stability or security of CAR’.

Additional information

In liaison with his supporters, Bozize encouraged the attack of 5 December 2013 on Bangui. Since then, he has continued trying to run destabilization operations in order to maintain tensions in the capital of CAR. Bozize reportedly created the anti-Balaka militia group before he fled the CAR on March 24, 2013. In a communique, Bozize called on his militia to pursue the atrocities against the current regime and the Islamists. Bozize reportedly provided financial and material support to militiamen who are working to destabilize the ongoing transition and to bring Bozize back to power. The bulk of the anti-Balaka are from the Central African Armed Forces who dispersed into the countryside after the coup d'état and were subsequently reorganized by Bozize. Bozize and his supporters control more than half the anti-Balaka units.

Forces loyal to Bozize were armed with assault rifles, mortars and rocket-launchers and they have become increasingly involved in reprisal attacks against CAR's Muslim population. The situation in CAR deteriorated rapidly after the December 5, 2013 attack in Bangui by anti-Balaka forces that left over 700 people dead.

2.   Nourredine ADAM (alias: a) Nureldine Adam; b) Nourreldine Adam; c) Nourreddine Adam; d) Mahamat Nouradine Adam)

Designation: a) Director General of the ‘Extraordinary Committee for the Defence of Democratic Achievements’; b) Minister for Security; c) General.

Date of birth: a) 1970 b) 1969 c) 1971 d) 1 January 1970.

Place of birth: Ndele, Central African Republic.

Nationality: Central African Republic. Passport no.: D00001184

Address: Birao, Central African Republic.

Date of UN designation: 9 May 2014

Other information:

INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice web link: https://www.interpol.int/en/notice/search/un/5802798

Information from the narrative summary of reasons for listing provided by the Sanctions Committee:

Nourredine was listed on 9 May 2014 pursuant to paragraph 36 of Resolution 2134 (2014) as ‘engaging in or providing support for acts that undermine the peace, stability or security of CAR’.

Additional information

Noureddine is one of the original leaders of the Seleka. He has been identified as both a General and the President of one of the armed rebel groups of the Seleka, the Central PJCC, a group formally known as the Convention of Patriots for Justice and Peace and whose acronym is also acknowledged as CPJP. As former head of the ‘Fundamental’ splinter group of the Convention of Patriots for Justice and Peace (CPJP/F), he was the military coordinator of the ex-Séléka during offensives in the former rebellion in the Central African Republic between early December 2012 and March 2013. Without Noureddine's assistance and close relationship with Chadian Special Forces, the Seleka would likely have been unable to wrest power from former CAR President Francois Bozize.

Since the appointment as interim president of Catherine Samba-Panza on 20 January 2014, he was one of the main architects of the ex-Séléka's tactical withdrawal in Sibut with the aim of implementing his plan to create a Muslim stronghold in the north of the country. He had clearly urged his forces to resist the injunctions of the transitional government and of the military leaders of the African-led International Support Mission in the Central African Republic (MISCA). Noureddine actively directs ex-Seleka, the former Seleka forces that were reportedly dissolved by Djotodia in September 2013, and directs operations against Christian neighborhoods and continues to provide significant support and direction to the ex-Seleka operating in CAR.

Nourredine was also listed on 9 May 2014 pursuant to paragraph 37(b) of Resolution 2134 (2014) as ‘involved in planning, directing, or committing acts that violate international human rights law or international humanitarian law, as applicable’.

After the Séléka took control of Bangui on 24 March 2013, Nourredine Adam was appointed Minister for Security, then Director General of the ‘Extraordinary Committee for the Defence of Democratic Achievements’ (Comité extraordinaire de défense des acquis démocratiques- CEDAD, a now-defunct CAR intelligence service). Nourredine Adam used the CEDAD as his personal political police, carrying out many arbitrary arrests, acts of torture and summary executions. In addition, Noureddine was one of the key figures behind the bloody operation in Boy Rabe. In August 2013, Seleka forces stormed Boy Rabe, a CAR neighborhood regarded as a bastion of Francois Bozize supporters and his ethnic group. Under the pretext of looking for arms caches, Seleka troops reportedly killed scores of civilians and went on a rampage of looting. When these raids spread to other quarters, thousands of residents invaded the international airport, which was perceived as a safe place because of the presence of French troops, and occupied its runway.

Nourredine was also listed on 9 May 2014 pursuant to paragraph 37(d) of Resolution 2134 (2014) as ‘providing support for armed groups or criminal networks through illegal exploitation of natural resources’.

In early 2013, Nourredine Adam played an important role in the ex-Séléka's financing networks. He travelled to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates to collect funds for the former rebellion. He also operated as a facilitator for a Chadian diamond-trafficking ring operating between the Central African Republic and Chad.

4.   Alfred YEKATOM (alias: a) Alfred Yekatom Saragba b) Alfred Ekatom c) Alfred Saragba d) Colonel Rombhot e) Colonel Rambo f) Colonel Rambot g) Colonel Rombot h) Colonel Romboh)

Designation: Chief Corporal of the Forces Armées Centrafricaines (FACA)

Date of birth: 23 June 1976

Place of birth: Central African Republic

Nationality: Central African Republic

Address: a) Mbaiki, Lobaye Province, Central African Republic (Tel. +236 72 15 47 07/+236 75 09 43 41) b) Bimbo, Ombella-Mpoko province, Central African Republic (previous location)

Date of UN designation: 20 Aug. 2015

Other information:

Has controlled and commanded a large group of armed militia men. Father's name (adoptive father) is Ekatom Saragba (also spelled Yekatom Saragba). Brother of Yves Saragba, an anti-Balaka commander in Batalimo, Lobaye province, and a former FACA soldier. Physical description: eye colour: black; hair colour: bold; complexion: black; height: 170 cm; weight 100 kg. Photo available for inclusion in the INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice. INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice web link: https://www.interpol.int/en/notice/search/un/5891143

Information from the narrative summary of reasons for listing provided by the Sanctions Committee:

Alfred Yekatom was listed on 20 August 2015 pursuant to paragraph 11 of Resolution 2196 (2015) as ‘engaging in or providing support for acts that undermine the peace, stability or security of the CAR, including acts that threaten or violate transitional agreements, or that threaten or impede the political transition process, including a transition toward free and fair democratic elections, or that fuel violence’.

Additional information:

Alfred Yekatom, also known as Colonel Rombhot, is a militia leader of a faction of the anti-Balakas movement, known as the ‘anti-Balaka from the South’. He has held the rank of Chief Corporal in the Forces Armées Centrafricaines (FACA — Central African Republic armed forces).

Yekatom has engaged in and provided support for acts that undermine the peace, stability and security of the Central African Republic, including acts that threaten transitional agreements, and that threaten the political transition process. Yekatom has controlled and commanded a large group of armed militiamen with presence in the neighbourhood of PK9 in Bangui, and in the towns of Bimbo (Ombella-Mpoko province), Cekia, Pissa, and Mbaïki (capital of the Lobaye province), and had established his head-quarters in a forestry concession in Batalimo.

Yekatom has been in direct control of a dozen checkpoints manned by an average of ten armed militia men wearing army uniforms and carrying weapons, including military assault rifles, from the main bridge between Bimbo and Bangui to Mbaïki (Lobaye province), and from Pissa to Batalimo (next to the border with the Republic of Congo), collecting unauthorized taxes from private vehicles and motorcycles, passenger vans and trucks exporting forestry resources to Cameroon and Chad, but also from boats navigating on the Oubangui river. Yekatom has been observed personally collecting part of these unauthorized taxes. Yekatom and his militia have also reportedly killed civilians.

5.   Habib SOUSSOU (alias: Soussou Abib)

Designation: a) Coordinator of anti-Balaka for Lobaye province b) Corporal of the Central African Armed Forces (FACA)

Date of birth: 13 Mar. 1980

Place of birth: Boda, Central African Republic

Nationality: Central African Republic

Address: Boda, Central African Republic (Tel. +236 72198628)

Date of UN designation: 20 Aug. 2015

Other information:

Appointed as zone commander (COMZONE) of Boda on 11 April 2014 and on 28 June 2014, for the entire Lobaye Province. Under his command, targeted killings, clashes and attacks against humanitarian organizations and aid workers have continued to take place. Physical description: eye colour: brown; hair colour: black; height: 160 cm; weight: 60 kg. Photo available for inclusion in the INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice. INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice web link: https://www.interpol.int/en/notice/search/un/5891199

Information from the narrative summary of reasons for listing provided by the Sanctions Committee:

Habib Soussou was listed on 20 August 2015 pursuant to paragraphs 11 and 12 (b) and (e) of Resolution 2196 (2015) as ‘engaging in or providing support for acts that undermine the peace, stability or security of the CAR, including acts that threaten or violate transitional agreements, or that threaten or impede the political transition process, including a transition toward free and fair democratic elections, or that fuel violence’; ‘involved in planning, directing, or committing acts that violate international human rights law or international humanitarian law, as applicable, or that constitute human rights abuses or violations, in the CAR, including acts involving sexual violence, targeting of civilians, ethnic- or religious-based attacks, attacks on schools and hospitals, and abduction and forced displacement’ and; ‘obstructing the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the CAR, or access to, or distribution of, humanitarian assistance in the CAR’.

Additional information:

Habib Soussou was appointed as anti-Balaka zone commander (COMZONE) of Boda on 11 April 2014, and he has claimed that he was therefore responsible for the security situation in the sous- préfecture. On 28 June 2014, general coordinator of the anti-Balaka Patrice Edouard Ngaïssona appointed Habib Soussou as provincial coordinator for the town of Boda since 11 April 2014 and since 28 June 2014 for the entire province of Lobaye. Targeted killings, clashes and attacks by anti-Balaka in Boda against humanitarian organizations and aid workers have occurred on a weekly basis in areas for which Soussou is the anti-Balaka commander or coordinator. Soussous and the anti-Balaka forces in these areas have also targeted and threatened to target civilians.

6.   Oumar YOUNOUS ABDOULAY (alias: (a) Oumar Younous; (b) Omar Younous; (c) Oumar Sodiam; (d) Oumar Younous M'Betibangui).

Designation: Former Séléka general.

Date of birth: 2 April 1970.

Nationality: Sudan, CAR diplomatic passport No D00000898, issued on 11 April 2013 (valid until 10 April 2018).

Address: (a) Bria, Central African Republic (Tel. +236 75507560); (b) Birao, Central African Republic; (c) Tullus, southern Darfur, Sudan (previous location).

Date of UN designation: 20 Aug. 2015

Other information:

is a diamond smuggler and a three-star general of the Séléka and close confident of former CAR interim president Michel Djotodia. Physical description: hair colour: black; height: 180 cm; belongs to the Fulani ethnic group. Photo available for inclusion in the Interpol-UN Security Council Special Notice. Reportedly deceased as at 11 October 2015 INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice web link: https://www.interpol.int/en/notice/search/un/5903116

Information from the narrative summary of reasons for listing provided by the Sanctions Committee:

Oumar Younous was listed on 20 August 2015 pursuant to paragraphs 11 and 12(d) of Resolution 2196 (2015) as ‘engaging in or providing support for acts that undermine the peace, stability or security of the CAR, including acts that threaten or violate transitional agreements, or that threaten or impede the political transition process, including a transition toward free and fair democratic elections, or that fuel violence’; and ‘providing support for armed groups or criminal networks through the illicit exploitation or trade of natural resources, including diamonds, gold, and wildlife as well as wildlife products, in the CAR’.

Additional information:

Oumar Younous, as a general of the former Séléka and a diamond smuggler, has provided support to an armed group through the illicit exploitation and trade of natural resources, including diamonds, in the Central African Republic.

In October 2008, Oumar Younous, a former driver for the diamond buying house Sodiam, joined the rebel group Mouvement des Libérateurs Centrafricains pour la Justice (MLCJ). In December 2013, Oumar Younous was identified as being a three-star general of the Séléka and close confidant of interim president Michel Djotodia.

Younous is involved in the diamond trade from Bria and Sam Ouandja to Sudan. Sources have reported that Oumar Younous has been engaged in collecting diamond parcels hidden in Bria, and taking them to Sudan for sale.

7.   Haroun GAYE (alias: (a) Haroun Geye; (b) Aroun Gaye; (c) Aroun Geye).

Designation: Rapporteur of the political coordination of the Front Populaire pour la Renaissance de Centrafrique (FPRC).

Date of birth: (a) 30 January 1968; (b) 30 January 1969.

Passport No: Central African Republic number O00065772 (letter O followed by 3 zeros), expires 30 December 2019.

Address: Bangui, Central African Republic.

Date of UN designation: 17 December 2015.

Other information:

Gaye is a leader of the Front Populaire pour la Renaissance de Centrafrique (FPRC) (not listed) a marginalized ex-Seleka armed group in Bangui. He is also a leader of the so-called ‘Defense Committee’ of Bangui's PK5 (known as ‘PK5 Resistance’ or ‘Texas’) (not listed), which extorts money from residents and threatens and employs physical violence. Gaye was appointed on 2 November 2014 by Nourredine Adam (CFi.002) as rapporteur of the political coordination of the FPRC. On 9 May 2014, the Security Council Committee established by Resolution 2127 (2013) on CAR included Adam on its sanctions list. Photo available for inclusion in the INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice. INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice web link: https://www.interpol.int/en/notice/search/un/5915753

Information from the narrative summary of reasons for listing provided by the Sanctions Committee:

Haroun Gaye was listed on 17 December 2015 pursuant to paragraphs 11 and 12(b) and (f) of Resolution 2196 (2015) as ‘engaging in or providing support for acts that undermine the peace, stability or security of the CAR’; ‘involved in planning, directing, or committing acts that violate international human rights law or international humanitarian law, as applicable, or that constitute human rights abuses or violations, in the CAR, including acts involving sexual violence, targeting of civilians, ethnic- or religious-based attacks, attacks on schools and hospitals, and abduction and forced displacement’; and ‘involved in planning, directing, sponsoring, or conducting attacks against UN missions or international security presences, including Minusca, the European Union missions and French operations which support them’.

Additional information:

Haroun Gaye has been, since early 2014, one of the leaders of an armed group operating in the PK5 neighbourhood in Bangui. Civil Society representatives of the PK5 neighbourhood state that Gaye and his armed group are fuelling the conflict in Bangui, opposing the reconciliation and preventing movements of population to and from the third district of Bangui. On 11 May 2015, Gaye and 300 demonstrators blocked access to the National Transitional Council to disrupt the final day of the Bangui Forum. Gaye is reported to have collaborated with anti-Balaka officials to coordinate the disruption.

On 26 June 2015, Gaye and a small entourage disrupted the opening of a voter registration drive in Bangui's PK5 neighbourhood, causing the registration drive to close.

Minusca attempted to arrest Gaye on 2 August 2015, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 32(f)(i) of the Security Council Resolution 2217 (2015). Gaye, who was reportedly informed of the arrest attempt in advance, was ready with supporters armed with heavy weaponry. Gaye's forces opened fire on the Minusca Joint Task Force. In a seven-hour firefight, Gaye's men employed firearms, and rocket-propelled and hand grenades against Minusca troops and killed one peacekeeper and injured eight. Gaye was involved in encouraging violent protests and clashes in late September 2015 in what appears to have been a coup attempt to overthrow the Transitional Government. The coup attempt was likely led by former president Bozize's supporters in an alliance of convenience with Gaye and other FPRC leaders. It appears that Gaye aimed to create a cycle of retaliatory attacks that would threaten the upcoming elections. Gaye was in charge of coordination with marginalised elements of the anti-Balaka.

On 1 October 2015, a meeting took place in the PK5 neighbourhood between Eugène Barret Ngaïkosset, a member of a marginalised anti-Balaka group and Gaye, with the aim of planning a joint attack on Bangui on Saturday 3 October. Gaye's group prevented people inside the PK5 neighbourhood from leaving it, in order to reinforce the communal identity of the Muslim population to exacerbate inter-ethnic tensions and avoid reconciliation. On 26 October 2015, Gaye and his group interrupted a meeting between the Archbishop of Bangui and the Imam of the Central Mosque of Bangui, and threatened the delegation which had to retreat from the Central Mosque and flee the PK5 neighbourhood.

8.   Eugène BARRET NGAÏKOSSET (alias: (a) Eugene Ngaikosset; (b) Eugene Ngaikoisset; (c) Eugene Ngakosset; (d) Eugene Barret Ngaikosse; (e) Eugene Ngaikouesset; (f) ‘The Butcher of Paoua’; (g) Ngakosset)

Designation: (a) Former Captain, CAR Presidential Guard; (b) Former Captain, CAR Naval Forces.

National identification No: Central African Republic armed forces (FACA) military identification number 911-10-77.

Address: (a) Bangui, Central African Republic.

Date of UN designation: 17 December 2015.

Other information:

Captain Eugène Barret Ngaïkosset is a former member of former President François Bozizé's presidential guard and associated with the anti-Balaka movement. He escaped from jail on 17 May 2015 following his extradition from Brazzaville and created his own anti-Balaka faction including former FACA fighters.

Information from the narrative summary of reasons for listing provided by the Sanctions Committee:

Eugène Barret Ngaïkosset was listed on 17 December 2015 pursuant to paragraphs 11 and 12(b) and (f) of Resolution 2196 (2015) as ‘engaging in or providing support for acts that undermine the peace, stability or security of the CAR’; ‘involved in planning, directing, or committing acts that violate international human rights law or international humanitarian law, as applicable, or that constitute human rights abuses or violations, in the CAR, including acts involving sexual violence, targeting of civilians, ethnic- or religious-based attacks, attacks on schools and hospitals, and abduction and forced displacement’; and ‘involved in planning, directing, sponsoring, or conducting attacks against UN missions or international security presences, including Minusca, the European Union missions and French operations which support them’.

Additional information:

Ngaïkosset is one of the main perpetrators of the violence which erupted in Bangui in late September 2015. Ngaïkosset and other anti-Balaka worked together with marginalised members of ex-Séléka in an effort to destabilise the CAR Transitional Government. On the night of 27-28 September 2015, Ngaïkosset and others made an unsuccessful attempt to storm the ‘Izamo’ gendarmerie camp in order to steal weapons and ammunition. On 28 September, the group surrounded the offices of CAR national radio.

On 1 October 2015, a meeting took place in the PK5 neighbourhood between Ngaïkosset and Haroun Gaye, a leader of the Front Populaire pour la Renaissance de Centrafrique (FPRC), with the aim of planning a joint attack on Bangui on Saturday 3 October.

On 8 October, 2015, the CAR Justice Minister announced plans to investigate Ngaïkosset and other individuals for their roles in the September 2015 violence in Bangui. Ngaikosset and the others were named as being involved in ‘egregious behaviour constituting a breach of the internal security of the state, conspiracy, incitement to civil war, civil disobedience, hatred and complicity’. CAR legal authorities were instructed to open an investigation to search for and arrest the perpetrators and accomplices.

On 11 October 2015, Ngaïkosset is believed to have asked anti-Balaka militia under his command to carry out kidnappings, with a particular focus on French nationals, but also CAR political figures and UN officials, with the aim of forcing the departure of the transitional President, Catherine Samba-Panza.

9.   Joseph KONY (alias: a) Kony b) Joseph Rao Kony c) Josef Kony d) Le Messie sanglant)

Designation: Commander of the Lord's Resistance Army

Date of birth: a) 1959 b) 1960 c) 1961 d) 1963 e) 18 Sep. 1964 f) 1965 g) (Aug. 1961) h) (Jul. 1961) i) 1 Jan. 1961 j) (Apr. 1963)

Place of birth: a) Palaro Village, Palaro Parish, Omoro County, Gulu District, Uganda b) Odek, Omoro, Gulu, Uganda c) Atyak, Uganda

Nationality: Uganda Passport

Address: a) Vakaga, Central African Republic b) Haute-Kotto, Central African Republic c) Basse-Kotto, Central African Republic d) Haut-Mbomou, Central African Republic e) Mbomou, Central African Republic f) Haut-Uolo, Democratic Republic of the Congo g) Bas-Uolo, Democratic Republic of the Congo h) (Reported address: Kafia Kingi (a territory on the border of Sudan and South Sudan whose final status has yet to be determined). As of January 2015, 500 Lord's Resistance Army elements were reportedly expelled from the Sudan.)

Date of UN designation: 7 March 2016.

Other information:

Kony is the founder and leader of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) (CFe.002). Under his leadership, the LRA has engaged in the abduction, killing, and mutilation of thousands of civilians across Central Africa. The LRA has been responsible for kidnapping, displacing, committing sexual violence against, and killing hundreds of individuals across CAR, and has looted and destroyed civilian property. Father's name is Luizi Obol. Mother's name is Nora Obol. INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice web link: https://www.interpol.int/en/notice/search/un/5932340

Information from the narrative summary of reasons for listing provided by the Sanctions Committee:

Joseph Kony was listed on 7 March 2016 pursuant to paragraphs 12 and 13 (b), (c), and (d) of Resolution 2262 (2016) as ‘engaging in or providing support for acts that undermine the peace, stability or security of the CAR’; ‘involved in planning, directing, or committing acts that violate international human rights law or international humanitarian law, as applicable, or that constitute human rights abuses or violations, in the CAR, including acts involving sexual violence, targeting of civilians, ethnic- or religious-based attacks, attacks on schools and hospitals, and abduction and forced displacement’; ‘recruiting or using children in armed conflict in the CAR, in violation of applicable international law’; and ‘providing support for armed groups or criminal networks through the illicit exploitation or trade of natural resources, including diamonds, gold, and wildlife products in or from the CAR’.

Additional information:

Kony founded the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) and has been described as the group's founder, religious leader, chairman, and commander-in-chief. Emerging in northern Uganda in the 1980s, the LRA engaged in the abduction, killing, and mutilation of thousands of civilians across central Africa. Under increasing military pressure, Kony ordered the LRA to withdraw from Uganda in 2005 and 2006. Since then, the LRA has been operating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), CAR, South Sudan and reportedly Sudan.

Kony, as the leader of the LRA, devises and implements LRA strategy, including standing orders to attack and brutalize civilian populations. Since December 2013, the LRA under the leadership of Joseph Kony has kidnapped, displaced, committed sexual violence against, and killed hundreds of individuals across CAR, and has looted and destroyed civilian property. Concentrated in eastern CAR and reportedly in Kafia Kingi, a territory on the border of Sudan and South Sudan whose final status has yet to be determined but militarily controlled by the former, the LRA raids villages to pillage food and supplies. The fighters set ambushes to attack security forces and steal their equipment when they respond to LRA attacks, and LRA fighters also target and loot villages that do not have a military presence. The LRA has also intensified attacks on diamond and gold mining sites.

Kony is subject to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court. The ICC has charged him with twelve counts of crimes against humanity including murder, enslavement, sexual enslavement, rape, inhumane acts of inflicting serious bodily injury and suffering, and twenty-one counts of war crimes including murder, cruel treatment of civilians, intentionally directing an attack against a civilian population, pillaging, inducing rape, and enlisting, through abduction, of children under the age of 15 years.

Kony has issued standing orders for rebel fighters to loot diamonds and gold from artisanal miners in eastern Central African Republic. Reportedly, some of the minerals are then transported by Kony's group to Sudan, or traded with local civilians and members of the former Séléka.

Kony has also instructed his fighters to poach elephants in the Garamba National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, from where elephant tusks are reportedly transported through the east of the Central African Republic to Sudan, where senior LRA officials reportedly sell and trade with Sudanese merchants and local officials. The trade of ivory represents a significant source of income for Kony's group. As of January 2015, 500 Lord's Resistance Army elements were reportedly expelled from the Sudan.

10.   Ali KONY (alias: a) Ali Lalobo b) Ali Mohammad Labolo c) Ali Mohammed d) Ali Mohammed Lalobo e) Ali Mohammed Kony f) Ali Mohammed Labola g) Ali Mohammed Salongo h) Ali Bashir Lalobo i) Ali Lalobo Bashir j) Otim Kapere k) ‘Bashir’ l) ‘Caesar’ m) ‘One-P’ n) ‘1-P’

Designation: Deputy, Lord's Resistance Army

Date of birth: a) 1994 b) 1993 c) 1995 d) 1992

Address: Kafia Kingi (a territory on the border of Sudan and South Sudan whose final status has yet to be determined).

Date of UN designation: 23 August 2016.

Other information:

Ali Kony is a deputy in the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), a designated entity and the son of LRA leader Joseph Kony, a designated individual. Ali was incorporated into the LRA's leadership hierarchy in 2010. He is part of a group of senior LRA officers who are based with Joseph Kony. INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice web link: https://www.interpol.int/en/notice/search/un/5971056

Information from the narrative summary of reasons for listing provided by the Sanctions Committee:

Ali Kony was listed on 23 August 2016 pursuant to paragraphs 12 and 13 (d) and (g) of Resolution 2262 (2016) as ‘engaging in or providing support for acts that undermine the peace, stability or security of the CAR’; ‘providing support for armed groups or criminal networks through the illicit exploitation or trade of natural resources, including diamonds, gold, wildlife as well as wildlife products in or from the CAR’; ‘Being leaders of an entity that the Committee has designated pursuant to paragraphs 36 or 37 of Resolution 2134 (2014) or Resolution 2262 (2016)or having provided support to, or acted for or on behalf of, or at the direction of, an individual or an entity that the Committee has designated pursuant to paragraphs 36 or 37 of Resolution 2134 (2014) or Resolution 2262 (2016), or an entity owned or controlled by a designated individual or entity’.

Ali Kony is seen as a potential successor to Joseph Kony as leader of the LRA. Ali is increasingly involved in LRA operational planning and is seen as a gateway to Joseph Kony. Ali is also an LRA intelligence officer with command of up to 10 subordinates.

Ali and his brother Salim Kony have both been responsible for enforcing discipline within the LRA. Both brothers are acknowledged to be part of Joseph Kony's leadership inner-circle, responsible for the execution of Kony's orders. The two have made disciplinary decisions to punish or kill LRA members who have disobeyed LRA rules. Based on orders from Joseph Kony, Salim and Ali are involved in trafficking ivory from northern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)'s Garamba National Park through the Central African Republic (CAR) to the disputed region of Kafia Kingi for sale or trade with local merchants.

Ali Kony is responsible for negotiating ivory prices and bartering the ivory with the merchants. Ali meets once or twice a month with merchants to negotiate the price of the LRA's ivory in U.S. dollars or Sudanese pounds, or to trade for weapons, ammunition, and food. Joseph Kony has ordered Ali to use the largest tusks to purchase anti-personnel mines to surround Kony's camp. In July 2014, Ali Kony oversaw the operation to move 52 pieces of ivory for delivery to Joseph Kony and ultimate sale.

In April 2015, Salim departed Kafia Kingi to retrieve a shipment of tusks. In May, Salim participated in the transport of 20 pieces of ivory from DRC to Kafia Kingi. Around the same time, Ali met with the merchants to purchase supplies and to plan a future meeting to conduct additional transactions and to agree to terms of purchase on the LRA's behalf for what is assessed to be the ivory that Salim was escorting.

11.   Salim KONY (alias: a) Salim Saleh Kony b) Salim Saleh c) Salim Ogaro d) Okolu Salim e) Salim Saleh Obol Ogaro f) Simon Salim Obol)

Designation: Deputy, Lord's Resistance Army

Date of Birth: a) 1992 b) 1991 c) 1993

Address: a) Kafia Kingi (a territory on the border of Sudan and South Sudan whose final status has yet to be determined) b) Central African Republic

Date of UN designation: 23 August 2016

Other information:

Salim Kony is a deputy in the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), a designated entity and the son of LRA leader Joseph Kony, a designated individual. Salim was incorporated into the LRA's leadership hierarchy in 2010. He is part of a group of senior LRA officers who are based with Joseph Kony. INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice web link: https://www.interpol.int/en/notice/search/un/5971058

Information from the narrative summary of reasons for listing provided by the Sanctions Committee:

Salim Kony was listed on 23 August 2016 pursuant to paragraphs 12 and 13 (d) and (g) of Resolution 2262 (2016) as ‘engaging in or providing support for acts that undermine the peace, stability or security of the CAR’; ‘providing support for armed groups or criminal networks through the illicit exploitation or trade of natural resources, including diamonds, gold, wildlife as well as wildlife products in or from the CAR’; ‘Being leaders of an entity that the Committee has designated pursuant to paragraphs 36 or 37 of Resolution 2134 (2014) or Resolution 2262 (2016), or having provided support to, or acted for or on behalf of, or at the direction of, an individual or an entity that the Committee has designated pursuant to paragraphs 36 or 37 of Resolution 2134 (2014) or Resolution 2262 (2016), or an entity owned or controlled by a designated individual or entity’.

Salim Kony is the head commander of the LRA's ‘field headquarters’ and has jointly planned LRA attacks and defensive measures with Joseph Kony since an early age. Previously, Salim led the group which provides security for Joseph Kony. More recently, Joseph Kony has entrusted Salim with managing the LRA's financial and logistical networks.

Salim and his brother Ali Kony have both been responsible for enforcing discipline within the LRA. Both brothers are acknowledged as members of Joseph Kony's leadership inner-circle, who are responsible for executing Joseph Kony's orders. The two have made disciplinary decisions to punish or kill LRA members who have disobeyed LRA rules. Salim is reported to have killed LRA members who intended to defect, and has reported LRA group and member activities to Joseph Kony.

Based on orders from Joseph Kony, Salim and Ali are involved with the trafficking of ivory from northern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)'s Garamba National Park through the Central African Republic (CAR) to the disputed region of Kafia Kingi for sale or trade with local merchants.

Salim often deploys to the CAR border with approximately a dozen fighters to meet and escort other LRA groups carrying ivory north from Garamba. In April 2015, Salim departed Kafia Kingi to retrieve a shipment of tusks. In May, Salim participated in the transport of twenty pieces of ivory from DRC to Kafia Kingi.

Previously, in June 2014, Salim crossed into the DRC with a group of LRA fighters to poach elephants in Garamba. Joseph Kony had also tasked Salim with escorting two LRA commanders to Garamba to uncover caches of ivory that had been hidden there years earlier. In July 2014, Salim met with a second LRA group to transport the ivory, 52 pieces in all, to Kafia Kingi. Salim was responsible for maintaining ivory accountability to Joseph Kony and for passing information about ivory transactions to LRA groups.

B.   Entities

1.   BUREAU D'ACHAT DE DIAMANT EN CENTRAFRIQUE/KARDIAM (alias: a) BADICA/KRDIAM b) KARDIAM)

Address: a) BP 333, Bangui, Central African Republic (Tel. +32 3 2310521, Fax. +32 3 2331839, email: kardiam.bvba@skynet.be, website: www.groupeabdoulkarim.com) b) Antwerp, Belgium

Date of UN designation: 20 Aug. 2015

Other Information:

Headed by Abdoul-Karim Dan-Azoumi, since 12 December 1986 and by Aboubakar Mahamat, since 1 January 2005. Branches include MINAiR, and SOFIA TP (Douala, Cameroon). INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice web link: https://www.interpol.int/en/notice/search/une/5891200

Information from the narrative summary of reasons for listing provided by the Sanctions Committee:

The Bureau d'achat de Diamant en Centrafrique/KARDIAM was listed on 20 August 2015 pursuant to paragraph 12 (d) of Resolution 2196 (2015) as ‘providing support for armed groups or criminal networks through the illicit exploitation or trade of natural resources, including diamonds, gold, as well as wildlife and wildlife products, in the CAR’

Additional information:

BADICA/KARDIAM has provided support for armed groups in the Central African Republic, namely former Séléka and anti-Balaka, through the illicit exploitation and trade of natural resources, including diamonds and gold.

The Bureau d'Achat de Diamant en Centrafrique (BADICA) continued in 2014 to purchase diamonds from Bria and Sam-Ouandja (Haute Kotto province) in the east of the Central African Republic, where former Séléka forces impose taxes on aircraft transporting diamonds and receive security payments from diamond collectors. Several of BADICA's supplying collectors in Bria and Sam-Ouandja are closely associated with former Séléka commanders.

In May 2014, Belgian authorities seized two diamond parcels sent to BADICA's representation in Antwerp, which is officially registered in Belgium as KARDIAM. Diamond experts assessed that the diamonds seized have a high probability to be of Central African origin, and that they display characteristics typical of Sam-Ouandja and Bria, as well as Nola (Sangha Mbaéré province), in the south west of the country.

Traders who were purchasing diamonds illegally trafficked from Central African Republic to foreign markets, including from the western part of the country, have operated in Cameroon on behalf of BADICA.

In May 2014, BADICA also exported gold produced in Yaloké (Ombella-Mpoko), where artisanal gold mines fell under control of Séléka until the beginning of February 2014, when anti-Balakagroups took over.

2.   LORD'S RESISTANCE ARMY (alias: a) LRA b) Lord's Resistance Movement (LRM) c) Lord's Resistance Movement/Army (LRM/A)

Address: a) Vakaga, Central African Republic b) Haute-Kotto, Central African Republic c) Basse-Kotto, Central African Republic d) Haut-Mbomou, Central African Republic e) Mbomou, Central African Republic f) HautUolo, Democratic Republic of the Congo g) Bas-Uolo, Democratic Republic of the Congo h) (Reported address: Kafia Kingi (a territory on the border of Sudan and South Sudan whose final status has yet to be determined). As of January 2015, 500 Lord's Resistance Army elements were reportedly expelled from the Sudan.)

Date of UN designation: 7 March 2016.

Other Information:

Emerged in northern Uganda in the 1980s. Has engaged in the abduction, killing and mutilation of thousands of civilians in Central Africa, including hundreds in the Central African Republic. The leader is Joseph Kony. INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice web link: https://www.interpol.int/en/notice/search/une/5932344

Information from the narrative summary of reasons for listing provided by the Sanctions Committee:

The Lord's Resistance Army was listed on 7 March 2016 pursuant to paragraphs 12 and 13 (b), (c), and (d) of Resolution 2262 (2016) as ‘engaging in or providing support for acts that undermine the peace, stability or security of the CAR;’, ‘involved in planning, directing, or committing acts that violate international human rights law or international humanitarian law, as applicable, or that constitute human rights abuses or violations, in the CAR, including acts involving sexual violence, targeting of civilians, ethnic- or religious-based attacks, attacks on schools and hospitals, and abduction and forced displacement;’, ‘recruiting or using children in armed conflict in the CAR, in violation of applicable international law;’ and ‘providing support for armed groups or criminal networks through the illicit exploitation or trade of natural resources, including diamonds, gold, and wildlife products in or from the CAR’.

Additional information:

Emerging in northern Uganda in the 1980s, the LRA has engaged in the abduction, killing, and mutilation of thousands of civilians across central Africa. Under increasing military pressure, Joseph Kony, the LRA's leader, ordered the LRA to withdraw from Uganda in 2005 and 2006. Since then, the LRA has been operating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), CAR, South Sudan and reportedly Sudan.

Since December 2013, the LRA has kidnapped, displaced, committed sexual violence against, and killed hundreds of individuals across CAR, and has looted and destroyed civilian property. Concentrated in eastern CAR and reportedly in Kafia Kingi, a territory on the border of Sudan and South Sudan whose final status has yet to be determined but militarily controlled by the former, the LRA raids villages to pillage food and supplies. The fighters set ambushes to attack security forces and steal their equipment when they respond to LRA attacks, and LRA fighters also target and loot villages that do not have a military presence. The LRA has also intensified attacks on diamond and gold mining sites.

LRA cells are frequently accompanied by captives who are forced to work as porters, cooks, and sex slaves. The LRA engages in gender-based violence including rapes of women and young girls.

In December 2013, the LRA abducted dozens of people in Haute-Kotto. The LRA is reported to have been involved in the abductions of hundreds of civilians in CAR since the beginning of 2014.

LRA fighters attacked Obo, in eastern CAR's Haut-Mbomou Prefecture, on several occasions in early 2014.

The LRA continued to carry out attacks in Obo and other locations in southeastern CAR between May and July 2014, including apparently coordinated attacks and abductions in Mbomou Prefecture in early June.

Since at least 2014, the LRA has been involved in elephant poaching and elephant trafficking for revenue generation. The LRA reportedly traffics ivory from Garamba National Park in northern DRC to Darfur, to trade for weapons and supplies. The LRA reportedly transports poached elephant tusks through CAR into Darfur, Sudan to sell. Additionally, as of early 2014, Kony had reportedly ordered LRA fighters to loot diamonds and gold from miners in eastern CAR for transport to Sudan. As of January 2015, 500 Lord's Resistance Army elements were reportedly expelled from the Sudan.

In early February 2015, LRA fighters armed with heavy weapons abducted civilians in Kpangbayanga, Haut-Mbomou, and stole food items.

On April 20, 2015, an LRA attack and the abduction of children from Ndambissoua, southeastern CAR led most of the village residents to flee. And in early July 2015, the LRA attacked several villages in southern Haute-Kotto Prefecture; the attacks involved looting, violence against civilians, burning of houses, and kidnapping.

Since January 2016, attacks imputed to the LRA have multiplied in Mbomou, Haut-Mbomou and Haute-Kotto affecting in particular mining areas in Haute-Kotto. These attacks have involved looting, violence against civilians, destruction of property and abductions. They have led to displacements of the population, including around 700 people who have sought refuge in Bria.’

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| 30.5.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 139/15 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

30.5.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 139/15

---

COUNCIL IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2017/907

of 29 May 2017

implementing Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 of 18 January 2012 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria and repealing Regulation (EU) No 442/2011 (1), and in particular Article 32(1) thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | On 18 January 2012, the Council adopted Regulation (EU) No 36/2012. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

On 18 January 2012, the Council adopted Regulation (EU) No 36/2012.

| (2) | The entries for certain persons, entities and bodies subject to restrictive measures set out in Annex II to Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 should be updated and amended. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

The entries for certain persons, entities and bodies subject to restrictive measures set out in Annex II to Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 should be updated and amended.

| (3) | Annex II to Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 should therefore be amended accordingly, |
| --- | --- |

(3)

Annex II to Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 should therefore be amended accordingly,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

Annex II to Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 shall be amended in accordance with the Annex to this Regulation.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on the day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels, 29 May 2017.

For the Council

The President

C. CARDONA

---

(1)  
  OJ L 16, 19.1.2012, p. 1.

1

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ANNEX

Annex II to Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 is amended as follows:

| 1. | In Part A (‘Persons’), the following entries replace the entries concerning the persons listed below: | Name | Identifying information | Reasons | Date of listing |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| ‘13. | Munzir (



  ) (a.k.a. Mundhir, Monzer) Jamil Al-Assad (



  ) | Date of birth: 1 March 1961;
  Place of birth: Kerdaha, Latakia Province;
  Passports No 86449 and No 842781 | Involved in violence against the civilian population as part of the Shabiha militia. | 9.5.2011 |
| 37. | Brigadier-General Rafiq (



  ) (a.k.a. Rafeeq) Shahadah (



  ) (a.k.a. Shahada, Shahade, Shahadeh, Chahada, Chahade, Chahadeh, Chahada) | Place of birth: Jablah, Latakia Province | Former Head of Syrian Military Intelligence (SMI) Branch 293 (Internal Affairs) in Damascus. Directly involved in repression and violence against the civilian population in Damascus. Advisor to President Bashar Al-Assad for strategic questions and military intelligence. | 23.8.2011 |
| 53. | Adib (



  ) Mayaleh (



  ) (a.k.a. André Mayard) | Born: 15 May 1955;
  Place of birth: Bassir | Former Minister of Economy and Foreign Trade in power after May 2011 (appointed in July 2016). As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. Adib Mayaleh was also responsible for providing economic and financial support to the Syrian regime through his former functions as the Governor of the Central Bank of Syria. | 15.5.2012 |
| 59. | General Ghassan (



  ) Belal (



  ) | | General in command of the 4th Division reserve bureau. Adviser to Maher al-Assad and coordinator of security operations. Responsible for the crackdown on the civilian population across Syria and involved in several breaches of cessation of hostilities in the Ghouta. | 14.11.2011 |
| 66. | Kifah (



  ) Moulhem (



  ) (a.k.a. Moulhim, Mulhem, Mulhim) | | Former batallion Commander in the 4th Division. Appointed deputy head of the Military Intelligence Division in July 2015. Responsible for the crackdown on the civilian population in Deir ez-Zor. | 14.11.2011 |
| 106. | Dr Wael (



  ) Nader (



  ) Al –Halqi (



  ) (a.k.a. Al-Halki) | Born: 1964;
  Place of birth: Dara'a Province | Former Prime Minister, in office until 3 July 2016, and former Minister of Health. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 27.2.2012 |
| 109. | Imad (



  ) Mohammad (



  ) (a.k.a. Mohamed, Muhammad, Mohammed) Deeb Khamis (



  ) (a.k.a. Imad Mohammad Dib Khamees) | Date of birth: 1 August 1961;
  Place of birth: near Damascus | Prime Minister and former Minister of Electricity. As Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 23.3.2012 |
| 110. | Omar (



  ) Ibrahim (



  ) Ghalawanji (



  ) | Born: 1954;
  Place of birth: Tartous | Former Vice Prime Minister for Services Affairs, former Minister of Local Administration, in office until 3 July 2016. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 23.3.2012 |
| 117. | Adnan (



  ) Hassan (



  ) Mahmoud (



  ) | Born: 1966;
  Place of birth: Tartous | Syrian Ambassador to Iran. Former Minister of Information in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 23.9.2011 |
| 157. | Eng. Bassam (



  ) Hanna (



  ) | | Former Minister of Water Resources in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 16.10.2012 |
| 162. | Dr Mahmoud (



  ) Ibraheem (



  ) (a.k.a. Ibrahim) Sa'iid (



  ) (a.k.a. Said, Sa'eed, Saeed) | | Former Minister of Transport in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 16.10.2012 |
| 166. | Dr Lubana (



  ) (a.k.a. Lubanah) Mushaweh (



  ) (a.k.a. Mshaweh, Mshawweh, Mushawweh) | Born 1955;
  place of birth Damascus | Former Minister of Culture in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 16.10.2012 |
| 168. | Omran (



  ) Ahed (



  ) Al Zu'bi (



  ) (a.k.a. Al Zoubi, Al Zo'bi, Al Zou'bi) | Born 27 September 1959;
  Place of birth Damascus | Former Minister of Information in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 16.10.2012 |
| 170. | Najm (



  ) (a.k.a. Nejm) Hamad (



  ) Al Ahmad (



  ) (a.k.a. Al-Ahmed) | | Former Minister of Justice in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 16.10.2012 |
| 171. | Dr Abdul- Salam (








  ) Al Nayef (



  ) | | Former Minister of Health in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 16.10.2012 |
| 173. | Dr Nazeera (



  ) (a.k.a. Nazira, Nadheera, Nadhira) Farah (



  ) Sarkees (



  ) (a.k.a. Sarkis) | | Former State Minister for Environmental Affairs, in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 16.10.2012 |
| 176. | Abdullah (



  ) (a.k.a. Abdallah) Khaleel (



  ) (a.k.a. Khalil) Hussein (



  ) (a.k.a. Hussain) | | Former State Minister in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 16.10.2012 |
| 177. | Jamal (



  ) Sha'ban (



  ) (a.k.a. Shaaban) Shaheen (



  ) | | Former State Minister in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 16.10.2012 |
| 181. | Suleiman Al Abbas | | Former Oil and Mineral Resources Minister in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the violent repression of the Syrian people. | 24.6.2014 |
| 182. | Kamal Eddin Tu'ma | Date of birth: 1959 | Former Industry Minister in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 24.6.2014 |
| 183. | Kinda al-Shammat (a.k.a. Shmat) | Date of birth: 1973 | Former Social Affairs Minister in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 24.6.2014 |
| 184. | Hassan Hijazi | Date of birth: 1964 | Former Minister for Labour in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 24.6.2014 |
| 185. | Ismael Ismael (a.k.a. Ismail Ismail, or Isma'Il Isma'il) | Born: 1955 | Former Finance Minister in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 24.6.2014 |
| 186. | Dr Khodr Orfali (a.k.a. Khud/Khudr Urfali/Orphaly) | Date of birth: 1956 | Former Economy and Foreign Trade Minister in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 24.6.2014 |
| 187. | Samir Izzat Qadi Amin | Date of birth: 1966 | Former Internal Trade and Consumer Protection Minister in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 24.6.2014 |
| 189. | Dr Malek Ali (a.k.a. Malik) | Date of birth: 1956 | Former Higher Education Minister in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 24.6.2014 |
| 191. | Dr Hassib Elias Shammas (a.k.a. Hasib) | Date of birth: 1957 | Former State Minister in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 24.6.2014 |
| 1. | Houmam Jaza'iri (a.k.a. Humam al-Jazaeri, Hammam al-Jazairi) | Born: 1977 | Former Minister of Economy and Foreign Trade in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the violent repression of the Syrian people. | 21.10.2014 |
| 2. | Mohamad Amer Mardini (a.k.a. Mohammad Amer Mardini) | Date of birth: 1959;
  Place of birth: Damascus | Former Minister of Higher Education in power after May 2011 (appointed 27.8.2014). As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 21.10.2014 |
| 3. | Mohamad Ghazi Jalali (a.k.a. Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali) | Date of birth: 1969;
  Place of birth: Damascus | Former Minister of Communications and Technology in power after May 2011 (appointed 27.8.2014). As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 21.10.2014 |
| 4. | Kamal Cheikha (a.k.a. Kamal al-Sheikha) | Date of birth: 1961;
  Place of birth: Damascus | Former Minister of Water Resources in power after May 2011 (appointed 27.8.2014). As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 21.10.2014 |
| 5. | Hassan Nouri (a.k.a. Hassan al-Nouri) | Date of birth: 9.2.1960 | Former Minister of Administrative Development in power after May 2011 (appointed 27.8.2014). As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 21.10.2014 |
| 7. | Khalaf Souleymane Abdallah (a.k.a. Khalaf Sleiman al-Abdullah) | Date of birth: 1960;
  Place of birth: Deir ez-Zor | Former Minister of Labour in power after May 2011 (appointed 27.8.2014). As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 21.10.2014 |
| 9. | Hassan Safiyeh (a.k.a. Hassan Safiye) | Date of birth: 1949;
  Place of birth: Latakia | Former Minister of Internal Trade and Consumer Protection in power after May 2011 (appointed 27.8.2014). As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 21.10.2014 |
| 10. | Issam Khalil | Date of birth: 1965;
  Place of birth: Banias | Former Minister of Culture in power after May 2011 (appointed 27.8.2014). As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 21.10.2014 |
| 11. | Mohammad Mouti' Mouayyad (a.k.a. Mohammad Muti'a Moayyad) | Date of birth: 1968;
  Place of birth: Ariha (Idlib) | Former State Minister in power after May 2011 (appointed 27.8.2014). As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 21.10.2014 |
| 12. | Ghazwan Kheir Bek (a.k.a. Ghazqan Kheir Bek) | Date of birth: 1961;
  Place of birth: Latakia | Former Minister of transport in power after May 2011 (appointed 27.8.2014). As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 21.10.2014 |
| 217. | Atef Naddaf | Date of birth: 1956;
  Place of birth: Damascus Countryside | Higher Education Minister.
  Appointed in July 2016. | 14.11.2016 |
| 218. | Hussein Makhlouf (a.k.a. Makhluf) | Date of birth: 1964;
  Place of birth: Lattakia;
  Former Governor of Damascus Governorate | Local Administration Minister.
  Appointed in July 2016.
  Cousin of Rami Makhlouf. | 14.11.2016 |
| 219. | Ali Al-Zafir (a.k.a. al-Dafeer) | Date of birth: 1962;
  Place of birth: Tartous | Communications and Technology Minister.
  Appointed in July 2016. | 14.11.2016 |
| 220. | Ali Ghanem | Date of birth: 1963;
  Place of birth: Damascus | Minister for Petroleum and Mineral Resources.
  Appointed in July 2016. | 14.11.2016 |
| 221. | Mohammed (a.k.a. Mohamed, Muhammad, Mohammad) Ramez Tourjman (a.k.a. Tourjuman) (



  ) | Date of birth: 1966;
  Place of birth: Damascus | Information Minister.
  Appointed in July 2016. | 14.11.2016 |
| 222. | Mohammed (a.k.a. Mohamed, Muhammad, Mohammad) al-Ahmed (a.k.a. al-Ahmad) | Date of birth: 1961;
  Place of birth: Lattakia | Culture Minister.
  Appointed in July 2016. | 14.11.2016 |
| 223. | Ali Hamoud (a.k.a. Hammoud) | Date of birth: 1964;
  Place of birth: Tartous | Transport Minister.
  Appointed in July 2016. | 14.11.2016 |
| 224. | Mohammed Zuhair (a.k.a. Zahir) Kharboutli | Place of birth: Damascus | Electricity Minister.
  Appointed in July 2016. | 14.11.2016 |
| 225. | Maamoun (a.k.a. Ma'moun) Hamdan | Date of birth: 1958;
  Place of birth: Damascus | Finance Minister.
  Appointed in July 2016. | 14.11.2016 |
| 226. | Nabil al-Hasan (a.k.a. al-Hassan) | Date of birth: 1963;
  Place of birth: Aleppo | Minister of Water Resources.
  Appointed in July 2016. | 14.11.2016 |
| 227. | Ahmad al-Hamu (a.k.a. al-Hamo) | Date of birth: 1947 | Minister for Industry.
  Appointed in July 2016. | 14.11.2016 |
| 228. | Abdullah al-Gharbi (a.k.a. al-Qirbi) | Date of birth: 1962;
  Place of birth: Damascus | Minister of Internal Trade and Consumer Protection.
  Appointed in July 2016. | 14.11.2016 |
| 229. | Abdullah Abdullah (



  ) | Date of birth: 1956 | State Minister.
  Appointed in July 2016. | 14.11.2016 |
| 230. | Salwa Abdullah | Date of birth: 1953;
  Place of birth: Quneitra | State Minister.
  Appointed in July 2016. | 14.11.2016 |
| 231. | Rafe'a Abu Sa'ad (a.k.a. Saad) | Date of birth: 1954;
  Place of birth: Habran village (Sweida province) | State Minister.
  Appointed in July 2016. | 14.11.2016 |
| 232. | Wafiqa Hosni | Date of birth: 1952;
  Place of birth: Damascus | State Minister.
  Appointed in July 2016. | 14.11.2016 |
| 233. | Rima Al-Qadiri (a.k.a. Al-Kadiri) | Date of birth: 1963;
  Place of birth: Damascus | Minister for Social Affairs (since August 2015). | 14.11.2016 |
| 236. | Saji' Darwish (a.k.a. Saji Jamil Darwish; Sajee Darwish; Sjaa Darwis) (



  ) | Date of birth: 11 January 1957;
  Rank: Major General, Syrian Arab Air Force | Holds the rank of Major General, a senior officer and Commander of the 22nd Division of the Syrian Arab Air Force, in post after May 2011.
  Operates in the chemical weapons proliferation sector and is responsible for the violent repression against the civilian population: as a senior ranking officer of the Syrian Arab Air Force and Commander of the 22nd Division he holds responsibility for the use of chemical weapons by aircraft operating from airbases under the control of the 22nd Division, including the attack on Talmenes that the Joint Investigative Mechanism reported was conducted by Hama airfield-based regime helicopters. | 21.3.2017’ |

1.

In Part A (‘Persons’), the following entries replace the entries concerning the persons listed below:

Name

Identifying information

Reasons

Date of listing

‘13.

Image 1

Image 2

Date of birth: 1 March 1961;

Place of birth: Kerdaha, Latakia Province;

Passports No 86449 and No 842781

Involved in violence against the civilian population as part of the Shabiha militia.

9.5.2011

37.

Image 3

Image 4

Place of birth: Jablah, Latakia Province

Former Head of Syrian Military Intelligence (SMI) Branch 293 (Internal Affairs) in Damascus. Directly involved in repression and violence against the civilian population in Damascus. Advisor to President Bashar Al-Assad for strategic questions and military intelligence.

23.8.2011

53.

Image 5

Image 6

Born: 15 May 1955;

Place of birth: Bassir

Former Minister of Economy and Foreign Trade in power after May 2011 (appointed in July 2016). As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. Adib Mayaleh was also responsible for providing economic and financial support to the Syrian regime through his former functions as the Governor of the Central Bank of Syria.

15.5.2012

59.

Image 7

Image 8

General in command of the 4th Division reserve bureau. Adviser to Maher al-Assad and coordinator of security operations. Responsible for the crackdown on the civilian population across Syria and involved in several breaches of cessation of hostilities in the Ghouta.

14.11.2011

66.

Image 9

Image 10

Former batallion Commander in the 4th Division. Appointed deputy head of the Military Intelligence Division in July 2015. Responsible for the crackdown on the civilian population in Deir ez-Zor.

14.11.2011

106.

Image 11

Image 12

Image 13

Born: 1964;

Place of birth: Dara'a Province

Former Prime Minister, in office until 3 July 2016, and former Minister of Health. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

27.2.2012

109.

Image 14

Image 15

Image 16

Date of birth: 1 August 1961;

Place of birth: near Damascus

Prime Minister and former Minister of Electricity. As Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

23.3.2012

110.

Image 17

Image 18

Image 19

Born: 1954;

Place of birth: Tartous

Former Vice Prime Minister for Services Affairs, former Minister of Local Administration, in office until 3 July 2016. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

23.3.2012

117.

Image 20

Image 21

Image 22

Born: 1966;

Place of birth: Tartous

Syrian Ambassador to Iran. Former Minister of Information in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

23.9.2011

157.

Image 23

Image 24

Former Minister of Water Resources in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

16.10.2012

162.

Image 25

Image 26

Image 27

Former Minister of Transport in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

16.10.2012

166.

Image 28

Image 29

Born 1955;

place of birth Damascus

Former Minister of Culture in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

16.10.2012

168.

Image 30

Image 31

Image 32

Born 27 September 1959;

Place of birth Damascus

Former Minister of Information in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

16.10.2012

170.

Image 33

Image 34

Image 35

Former Minister of Justice in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

16.10.2012

171.

Image 36

Image 37

Image 38

Former Minister of Health in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

16.10.2012

173.

Image 39

Image 40

Image 41

Former State Minister for Environmental Affairs, in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

16.10.2012

176.

Image 42

Image 43

Image 44

Former State Minister in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

16.10.2012

177.

Image 45

Image 46

Image 47

Former State Minister in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

16.10.2012

181.

Suleiman Al Abbas

Former Oil and Mineral Resources Minister in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the violent repression of the Syrian people.

24.6.2014

182.

Kamal Eddin Tu'ma

Date of birth: 1959

Former Industry Minister in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

24.6.2014

183.

Kinda al-Shammat (a.k.a. Shmat)

Date of birth: 1973

Former Social Affairs Minister in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

24.6.2014

184.

Hassan Hijazi

Date of birth: 1964

Former Minister for Labour in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

24.6.2014

185.

Ismael Ismael (a.k.a. Ismail Ismail, or Isma'Il Isma'il)

Born: 1955

Former Finance Minister in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

24.6.2014

186.

Dr Khodr Orfali (a.k.a. Khud/Khudr Urfali/Orphaly)

Date of birth: 1956

Former Economy and Foreign Trade Minister in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

24.6.2014

187.

Samir Izzat Qadi Amin

Date of birth: 1966

Former Internal Trade and Consumer Protection Minister in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

24.6.2014

189.

Dr Malek Ali (a.k.a. Malik)

Date of birth: 1956

Former Higher Education Minister in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

24.6.2014

191.

Dr Hassib Elias Shammas (a.k.a. Hasib)

Date of birth: 1957

Former State Minister in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

24.6.2014

1.

Houmam Jaza'iri (a.k.a. Humam al-Jazaeri, Hammam al-Jazairi)

Born: 1977

Former Minister of Economy and Foreign Trade in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the violent repression of the Syrian people.

21.10.2014

2.

Mohamad Amer Mardini (a.k.a. Mohammad Amer Mardini)

Date of birth: 1959;

Place of birth: Damascus

Former Minister of Higher Education in power after May 2011 (appointed 27.8.2014). As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

21.10.2014

3.

Mohamad Ghazi Jalali (a.k.a. Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali)

Date of birth: 1969;

Place of birth: Damascus

Former Minister of Communications and Technology in power after May 2011 (appointed 27.8.2014). As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

21.10.2014

4.

Kamal Cheikha (a.k.a. Kamal al-Sheikha)

Date of birth: 1961;

Place of birth: Damascus

Former Minister of Water Resources in power after May 2011 (appointed 27.8.2014). As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

21.10.2014

5.

Hassan Nouri (a.k.a. Hassan al-Nouri)

Date of birth: 9.2.1960

Former Minister of Administrative Development in power after May 2011 (appointed 27.8.2014). As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

21.10.2014

7.

Khalaf Souleymane Abdallah (a.k.a. Khalaf Sleiman al-Abdullah)

Date of birth: 1960;

Place of birth: Deir ez-Zor

Former Minister of Labour in power after May 2011 (appointed 27.8.2014). As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

21.10.2014

9.

Hassan Safiyeh (a.k.a. Hassan Safiye)

Date of birth: 1949;

Place of birth: Latakia

Former Minister of Internal Trade and Consumer Protection in power after May 2011 (appointed 27.8.2014). As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

21.10.2014

10.

Issam Khalil

Date of birth: 1965;

Place of birth: Banias

Former Minister of Culture in power after May 2011 (appointed 27.8.2014). As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

21.10.2014

11.

Mohammad Mouti' Mouayyad (a.k.a. Mohammad Muti'a Moayyad)

Date of birth: 1968;

Place of birth: Ariha (Idlib)

Former State Minister in power after May 2011 (appointed 27.8.2014). As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

21.10.2014

12.

Ghazwan Kheir Bek (a.k.a. Ghazqan Kheir Bek)

Date of birth: 1961;

Place of birth: Latakia

Former Minister of transport in power after May 2011 (appointed 27.8.2014). As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

21.10.2014

217.

Image 48

Date of birth: 1956;

Place of birth: Damascus Countryside

Higher Education Minister.

Appointed in July 2016.

14.11.2016

218.

Image 49

Date of birth: 1964;

Place of birth: Lattakia;

Former Governor of Damascus Governorate

Local Administration Minister.

Appointed in July 2016.

Cousin of Rami Makhlouf.

14.11.2016

219.

Image 50

Date of birth: 1962;

Place of birth: Tartous

Communications and Technology Minister.

Appointed in July 2016.

14.11.2016

220.

Image 51

Date of birth: 1963;

Place of birth: Damascus

Minister for Petroleum and Mineral Resources.

Appointed in July 2016.

14.11.2016

221.

Image 52

Date of birth: 1966;

Place of birth: Damascus

Information Minister.

Appointed in July 2016.

14.11.2016

222.

Image 53

Date of birth: 1961;

Place of birth: Lattakia

Culture Minister.

Appointed in July 2016.

14.11.2016

223.

Image 54

Date of birth: 1964;

Place of birth: Tartous

Transport Minister.

Appointed in July 2016.

14.11.2016

224.

Image 55

Place of birth: Damascus

Electricity Minister.

Appointed in July 2016.

14.11.2016

225.

Image 56

Date of birth: 1958;

Place of birth: Damascus

Finance Minister.

Appointed in July 2016.

14.11.2016

226.

Image 57

Date of birth: 1963;

Place of birth: Aleppo

Minister of Water Resources.

Appointed in July 2016.

14.11.2016

227.

Image 58

Date of birth: 1947

Minister for Industry.

Appointed in July 2016.

14.11.2016

228.

Image 59

Date of birth: 1962;

Place of birth: Damascus

Minister of Internal Trade and Consumer Protection.

Appointed in July 2016.

14.11.2016

229.

Image 60

Date of birth: 1956

State Minister.

Appointed in July 2016.

14.11.2016

230.

Image 61

Date of birth: 1953;

Place of birth: Quneitra

State Minister.

Appointed in July 2016.

14.11.2016

231.

Image 62

Date of birth: 1954;

Place of birth: Habran village (Sweida province)

State Minister.

Appointed in July 2016.

14.11.2016

232.

Image 63

Date of birth: 1952;

Place of birth: Damascus

State Minister.

Appointed in July 2016.

14.11.2016

233.

Image 64

Date of birth: 1963;

Place of birth: Damascus

Minister for Social Affairs (since August 2015).

14.11.2016

236.

Image 65

Date of birth: 11 January 1957;

Rank: Major General, Syrian Arab Air Force

Holds the rank of Major General, a senior officer and Commander of the 22nd Division of the Syrian Arab Air Force, in post after May 2011.

Operates in the chemical weapons proliferation sector and is responsible for the violent repression against the civilian population: as a senior ranking officer of the Syrian Arab Air Force and Commander of the 22nd Division he holds responsibility for the use of chemical weapons by aircraft operating from airbases under the control of the 22nd Division, including the attack on Talmenes that the Joint Investigative Mechanism reported was conducted by Hama airfield-based regime helicopters.

21.3.2017’

| 2. | In Part A (‘Persons’), the following entries concerning the persons listed below are inserted: | Name | Identifying information | Reasons | Date of listing |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| ‘239. | Hisham Mohammad Mamdouh al-Sha'ar | Date of birth: 1958;
  Place of birth: Damascus (Syria) | Justice Minister. Appointed in March 2017. | 30.5.2017 |
| 240. | Mohammad Samer Abdelrahman al-Khalil | | Economy and Foreign Trade. Minister. Appointed in March 2017. | 30.5.2017 |
| 241. | Salam Mohammad al-Saffaf | Date of birth: 1979 | Administrative Development Minister. Appointed in March 2017. | 30.5.2017’ |

2.

In Part A (‘Persons’), the following entries concerning the persons listed below are inserted:

Name

Identifying information

Reasons

Date of listing

‘239.

Hisham Mohammad Mamdouh al-Sha'ar

Date of birth: 1958;

Place of birth: Damascus (Syria)

Justice Minister. Appointed in March 2017.

30.5.2017

240.

Mohammad Samer Abdelrahman al-Khalil

Economy and Foreign Trade. Minister. Appointed in March 2017.

30.5.2017

241.

Salam Mohammad al-Saffaf

Date of birth: 1979

Administrative Development Minister. Appointed in March 2017.

30.5.2017’

| 3. | In Part B (‘Entities’), the following entry replaces the entry concerning the entity listed below: | Name | Identifying information | Reasons | Date of listing |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| ‘36. | Ebla Petroleum Company a.k.a. Ebco | Head Office Mazzeh Villat Ghabia Dar Es Saada 16, |
| P.O. Box 9120, |
| Damascus, Syria; |
| Tel: +963 116691100 |

3.

In Part B (‘Entities’), the following entry replaces the entry concerning the entity listed below:

Name

Identifying information

Reasons

Date of listing

‘36.

Ebla Petroleum Company a.k.a. Ebco

Head Office Mazzeh Villat Ghabia Dar Es Saada 16,

P.O. Box 9120,

Damascus, Syria;

Tel: +963 116691100

Joint venture of GPC. Provides financial support to the regime.

23.1.2012’

---

| 30.5.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 139/23 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

30.5.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 139/23

---

COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2017/908

of 11 May 2017

approving non-minor amendments to the specification for a name entered in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications (Picodon (PDO))

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 November 2012 on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs (1), and in particular Article 52(2) thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | Pursuant to the first subparagraph of Article 53(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012, the Commission has examined France's application for the approval of amendments to the specification for the protected designation of origin ‘Picodon’, registered under Commission Regulation (EC) No 1107/96 (2), as amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No 1143/2009 (3). |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Pursuant to the first subparagraph of Article 53(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012, the Commission has examined France's application for the approval of amendments to the specification for the protected designation of origin ‘Picodon’, registered under Commission Regulation (EC) No 1107/96 (2), as amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No 1143/2009 (3).

| (2) | By letter of 11 March 2016, the French authorities notified the Commission that a transitional period under Article 15(4) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012, ending on 31 December 2016, had been granted to two operators that are established on their territory and meet the conditions of that Article in accordance with the Order of 17 February 2016 on the protected designation of origin ‘Picodon’ published on 26 February 2016 in the Official Journal of the French Republic. During the national objection procedure, two operators lodged an objection concerning the obligation to use raw milk in the production of ‘Picodon’, indicating that they were unable to immediately comply with that provision and that a period of time was needed to adapt their production tools. These operators, which have also legally marketed ‘Picodon’ continuously for at least the five years prior to the lodging of the application, meet the conditions of Article 15(4) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012. A transitional period ending on 31 December 2016 has therefore been granted to them in this context. The operators in question are: Fromagerie du Vivarais, Les Pélissons, 07570 Désaignes; Eurial, rue Henri Barbusse, 26400 Crest. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

By letter of 11 March 2016, the French authorities notified the Commission that a transitional period under Article 15(4) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012, ending on 31 December 2016, had been granted to two operators that are established on their territory and meet the conditions of that Article in accordance with the Order of 17 February 2016 on the protected designation of origin ‘Picodon’ published on 26 February 2016 in the Official Journal of the French Republic. During the national objection procedure, two operators lodged an objection concerning the obligation to use raw milk in the production of ‘Picodon’, indicating that they were unable to immediately comply with that provision and that a period of time was needed to adapt their production tools. These operators, which have also legally marketed ‘Picodon’ continuously for at least the five years prior to the lodging of the application, meet the conditions of Article 15(4) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012. A transitional period ending on 31 December 2016 has therefore been granted to them in this context. The operators in question are: Fromagerie du Vivarais, Les Pélissons, 07570 Désaignes; Eurial, rue Henri Barbusse, 26400 Crest.

| (3) | Since the amendments in question are not minor within the meaning of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012, the Commission published the amendment application in the Official Journal of the European Union (4) as required by Article 50(2)(a) of that Regulation. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

Since the amendments in question are not minor within the meaning of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012, the Commission published the amendment application in the Official Journal of the European Union (4) as required by Article 50(2)(a) of that Regulation.

| (4) | As no statement of opposition under Article 51 of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 has been received by the Commission, the amendments to the specification should be approved, |
| --- | --- |

(4)

As no statement of opposition under Article 51 of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 has been received by the Commission, the amendments to the specification should be approved,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

The amendments to the specification published in the Official Journal of the European Union regarding the name ‘Picodon’ (PDO) are hereby approved.

Article 2

The protection provided under Article 1 is subject to the transitional period granted by France pursuant to the Order of 17 February 2016 on the protected designation of origin ‘Picodon’, published on 26 February 2016 in the Official Journal of the French Republic under Article 15(4) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012, to operators meeting the conditions of that Article.

Article 3

This Regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels, 11 May 2017.

For the Commission,

On behalf of the President,

Phil HOGAN

Member of the Commission

---

(1)  
  OJ L 343, 14.12.2012, p. 1.

1

(2)  Commission Regulation (EC) No 1107/96 of 12 June 1996 on the registration of geographical indications and designations of origin under the procedure laid down in Article 17 of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2081/92 (OJ L 148, 21.6.1996, p. 1).

2

(3)  Commission Regulation (EC) No 1143/2009 of 26 November 2009 approving non-minor amendments to the specification for a name entered in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications (Picodon de l'Ardèche ou Picodon de la Drôme (PDO)) (OJ L 312, 27.11.2009, p. 14).

3

(4)  
  OJ C 25, 25.1.2017, p. 5.

4

---

| 30.5.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 139/25 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

30.5.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 139/25

---

COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2017/909

of 11 May 2017

approving non-minor amendments to the specification for a name entered in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications (Huile d'olive de Corse/Huile d'olive de Corse — Oliu di Corsica (PDO))

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 November 2012 on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs (1), and in particular Article 52(2) thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | By virtue of the first subparagraph of Article 53(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012, the Commission has examined France's application for the approval of amendments to the specification for the protected designation of origin ‘Huile d'olive de Corse’/‘Huile d'olive de Corse — Oliu di Corsica’ registered under Commission Regulation (EC) No 148/2007 (2). |
| --- | --- |

(1)

By virtue of the first subparagraph of Article 53(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012, the Commission has examined France's application for the approval of amendments to the specification for the protected designation of origin ‘Huile d'olive de Corse’/‘Huile d'olive de Corse — Oliu di Corsica’ registered under Commission Regulation (EC) No 148/2007 (2).

| (2) | By letter of 18 February 2016, the French authorities notified the Commission that a transitional period under Article 15(4) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012, ending on 31 December 2025, had been granted to twelve operators that are established on their territory and meet the conditions of that Article in accordance with the Order of 26 January 2016 on the protected designation of origin ‘Huile d'olive de Corse’/‘Huile d'olive de Corse — Oliu di Corsica’ published on 5 February 2016 in the Official Journal of the French Republic. During the national objection procedure, these operators, who legally marketed ‘Huile d'olive de Corse’/‘Huile d'olive de Corse — Oliu di Corsica’ continuously for at least the 5 years prior to the lodging of the application, lodged an objection relating to the removal of the conversion timetable for olive varieties, indicating that a period of time was needed to change the composition of their groves. The operators in question are: EARL de Marquiliani, 20270 Aghione; Arthur Antolini, 11, lotissement Orabona, 20220 Monticello; Dominique Arrighi, 20290 Lucciana; Dominique Bichon, Le Regino, 20226 Speloncato; EARL Casa Rossa, Pianiccia, 20270 Tallone; William Delamare, Domaine de Valle, 20213 Querciolo; Roselyne Hubert, Pietra Macchja, 20279 Ville di Paraso; EARL Domaine de Torraccia, 20137 Lecci; Josette Lucciardi, Domaine de Pianiccione, 20270 Antisanti; Alfred Matt, plaine de Vallecalle, 20217 Saint-Florent; Jean-Luc Mozziconacci, Albaretto, 20240 Ghisonaccia and Jean-Louis Tommasini, 20225 Avapessa. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

By letter of 18 February 2016, the French authorities notified the Commission that a transitional period under Article 15(4) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012, ending on 31 December 2025, had been granted to twelve operators that are established on their territory and meet the conditions of that Article in accordance with the Order of 26 January 2016 on the protected designation of origin ‘Huile d'olive de Corse’/‘Huile d'olive de Corse — Oliu di Corsica’ published on 5 February 2016 in the Official Journal of the French Republic. During the national objection procedure, these operators, who legally marketed ‘Huile d'olive de Corse’/‘Huile d'olive de Corse — Oliu di Corsica’ continuously for at least the 5 years prior to the lodging of the application, lodged an objection relating to the removal of the conversion timetable for olive varieties, indicating that a period of time was needed to change the composition of their groves. The operators in question are: EARL de Marquiliani, 20270 Aghione; Arthur Antolini, 11, lotissement Orabona, 20220 Monticello; Dominique Arrighi, 20290 Lucciana; Dominique Bichon, Le Regino, 20226 Speloncato; EARL Casa Rossa, Pianiccia, 20270 Tallone; William Delamare, Domaine de Valle, 20213 Querciolo; Roselyne Hubert, Pietra Macchja, 20279 Ville di Paraso; EARL Domaine de Torraccia, 20137 Lecci; Josette Lucciardi, Domaine de Pianiccione, 20270 Antisanti; Alfred Matt, plaine de Vallecalle, 20217 Saint-Florent; Jean-Luc Mozziconacci, Albaretto, 20240 Ghisonaccia and Jean-Louis Tommasini, 20225 Avapessa.

| (3) | Since the amendments in question are not minor within the meaning of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012, the Commission published the amendment application in the Official Journal of the European Union as required by Article 50(2)(a) of that Regulation (3). |
| --- | --- |

(3)

Since the amendments in question are not minor within the meaning of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012, the Commission published the amendment application in the Official Journal of the European Union as required by Article 50(2)(a) of that Regulation (3).

| (4) | As no statement of opposition under Article 51 of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 has been received by the Commission, the amendments to the specification should be approved, |
| --- | --- |

(4)

As no statement of opposition under Article 51 of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 has been received by the Commission, the amendments to the specification should be approved,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

The amendments to the specification published in the Official Journal of the European Union regarding the name ‘Huile d'olive de Corse’/‘Huile d'olive de Corse — Oliu di Corsica’ (PDO) are hereby approved.

Article 2

The protection provided under Article 1 is subject to the transitional period granted by France pursuant to Article 15(4) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 to operators who fulfil the conditions of that Article.

Article 3

This Regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels, 11 May 2017.

For the Commission,

On behalf of the President,

Phil HOGAN

Member of the Commission

---

(1)  
  OJ L 343, 14.12.2012, p. 1.

1

(2)  Commission Regulation (EC) No 148/2007 of 15 February 2007 registering certain names in the Register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications (Geraardsbergse mattentaart (PGI) — Pataca de Galicia or Patata de Galicia (PGI) — Poniente de Granada (PDO) — Gata-Hurdes (PDO) — Patatas de Prades or Patates de Prades (PGI) — Mantequilla de Soria (PDO) — Huile d'olive de Nîmes (PDO) — Huile d'olive de Corse or Huile d'olive de Corse-Oliu di Corsica (PDO) — Clémentine de Corse (PGI) — Agneau de Sisteron (PGI) — Connemara Hill Lamb or Uain Sléibhe Chonamara (PGI) — Sardegna (PDO) — Carota dell'Altopiano del Fucino (PGI) — Stelvio or Stilfser (PDO) — Limone Femminello del Gargano (PGI) — Azeitonas de Conserva de Elvas e Campo Maior (PDO) — Chouriça de Carne de Barroso-Montalegre (PGI) — Chouriço de Abóbora de Barroso-Montalegre (PGI) — Sangueira de Barroso-Montalegre (PGI) — Batata de Trás-os-Montes (PGI) — Salpicão de Barroso-Montalegre (PGI) — Alheira de Barroso-Montalegre (PGI) — Cordeiro de Barroso, Anho de Barroso or Borrego de leite de Barroso (PGI) — Azeite do Alentejo Interior (PDO) — Paio de Beja (PGI) — Linguíça do Baixo Alentejo or Chouriço de carne do Baixo Alentejo (PGI) — Ekstra deviško oljčno olje Slovenske Istre (PDO)) (OJ L 46, 16.2.2007, p. 14).

2

(3)  
  OJ C 9, 12.1.2017, p. 42.

3

---

| 30.5.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 139/27 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

30.5.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 139/27

---

COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2017/910

of 11 May 2017

approving non-minor amendments to the specification for a name entered in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications (Cornish Sardines (PGI))

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 November 2012 on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs (1), and in particular Article 52(2) thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | Pursuant to the first subparagraph of Article 53(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012, the Commission has examined the United Kingdom's application for the approval of amendments to the specification for the protected geographical indication ‘Cornish Sardines’, registered under Commission Regulation (EC) No 1182/2009 (2). |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Pursuant to the first subparagraph of Article 53(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012, the Commission has examined the United Kingdom's application for the approval of amendments to the specification for the protected geographical indication ‘Cornish Sardines’, registered under Commission Regulation (EC) No 1182/2009 (2).

| (2) | Since the amendments in question are not minor within the meaning of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012, the Commission published the amendment application in the Official Journal of the European Union (3) as required by Article 50(2)(a) of that Regulation. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

Since the amendments in question are not minor within the meaning of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012, the Commission published the amendment application in the Official Journal of the European Union (3) as required by Article 50(2)(a) of that Regulation.

| (3) | As no statement of opposition under Article 51 of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 has been received by the Commission, the amendments to the specification should be approved, |
| --- | --- |

(3)

As no statement of opposition under Article 51 of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 has been received by the Commission, the amendments to the specification should be approved,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

The amendments to the specification published in the Official Journal of the European Union regarding the name ‘Cornish sardines’ (PGI) are hereby approved.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels, 11 May 2017.

For the Commission,

On behalf of the President,

Phil HOGAN

Member of the Commission

---

(1)  
  OJ L 343, 14.12.2012, p. 1.

1

(2)  Commission Regulation (EC) No 1182/2009 of 30 November 2009 entering a name in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications (Cornish Sardines (PGI)) (OJ L 317, 3.12.2009, p. 32).

2

(3)  
  OJ C 19, 20.1.2017, p. 6.

3

---

| 30.5.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 139/28 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

30.5.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 139/28

---

COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2017/911

of 24 May 2017

amending Regulation (EC) No 1484/95 as regards fixing representative prices in the poultrymeat and egg sectors and for egg albumin

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products and repealing Council Regulations (EEC) No 922/72, (EEC) No 234/79, (EC) No 1037/2001 and (EC) No 1234/2007 (1), and in particular Article 183(b) thereof,

Having regard to Regulation (EU) No 510/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 laying down the trade arrangements applicable to certain goods resulting from the processing of agricultural products and repealing Council Regulations (EC) No 1216/2009 and (EC) No 614/2009 (2), and in particular Article 5(6)(a) thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | Commission Regulation (EC) No 1484/95 (3) lays down detailed rules for implementing the system of additional import duties and fixes representative prices in the poultrymeat and egg sectors and for egg albumin. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Commission Regulation (EC) No 1484/95 (3) lays down detailed rules for implementing the system of additional import duties and fixes representative prices in the poultrymeat and egg sectors and for egg albumin.

| (2) | Regular monitoring of the data used to determine representative prices for poultrymeat and egg products and for egg albumin shows that the representative import prices for certain products should be amended to take account of variations in price according to origin. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

Regular monitoring of the data used to determine representative prices for poultrymeat and egg products and for egg albumin shows that the representative import prices for certain products should be amended to take account of variations in price according to origin.

| (3) | Regulation (EC) No 1484/95 should therefore be amended accordingly. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

Regulation (EC) No 1484/95 should therefore be amended accordingly.

| (4) | Given the need to ensure that this measure applies as soon as possible after the updated data have been made available, this Regulation should enter into force on the day of its publication, |
| --- | --- |

(4)

Given the need to ensure that this measure applies as soon as possible after the updated data have been made available, this Regulation should enter into force on the day of its publication,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 1484/95 is replaced by the text set out in the Annex to this Regulation.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on the day of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels, 24 May 2017.

For the Commission,

On behalf of the President,

Jerzy PLEWA

Director-General

Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development

---

(1)  
  OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 671.

1

(2)  
  OJ L 150, 20.5.2014, p. 1.

2

(3)  Commission Regulation (EC) No 1484/95 of 28 June 1995 laying down detailed rules for implementing the system of additional import duties and fixing representative prices in the poultrymeat and egg sectors and for egg albumin, and repealing Regulation No 163/67/EEC (OJ L 145, 29.6.1995, p. 47).

3

---

ANNEX

‘ANNEX I

| CN code | Description | Representative price
  (EUR/100 kg) | Security under Article 3
  (EUR/100 kg) | Origin (1) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 0207 12 10 | Fowls of the species Gallus domesticus, not cut in pieces, presented as ‘70 % chickens’, frozen | 126,2 | 0 | AR |
| 0207 12 90 | Fowls of the species Gallus domesticus, not cut in pieces, presented as ‘65 % chickens’, frozen | 120,8 | 0 | AR |
| 151,5 | 0 | BR |
| 0207 14 10 | Fowls of the species Gallus domesticus, boneless cuts, frozen | 256,5 | 13 | AR |
| 196,6 | 32 | BR |
| 297,0 | 1 | CL |
| 211,7 | 27 | TH |
| 0207 27 10 | Turkeys, boneless cuts, frozen | 342,0 | 0 | BR |
| 319,5 | 0 | CL |
| 0408 91 80 | Eggs, not in shell, dried | 350,0 | 0 | AR |
| 1602 32 11 | Preparations of fowls of the species Gallus domesticus, uncooked | 214,8 | 22 | BR |

CN code

Description

Representative price

(EUR/100 kg)

Security under Article 3

(EUR/100 kg)

Origin (1)

0207 12 10

Fowls of the species Gallus domesticus, not cut in pieces, presented as ‘70 % chickens’, frozen

126,2

0

AR

0207 12 90

Fowls of the species Gallus domesticus, not cut in pieces, presented as ‘65 % chickens’, frozen

120,8

0

AR

151,5

0

BR

0207 14 10

Fowls of the species Gallus domesticus, boneless cuts, frozen

256,5

13

AR

196,6

32

BR

297,0

1

CL

211,7

27

TH

0207 27 10

Turkeys, boneless cuts, frozen

342,0

0

BR

319,5

0

CL

0408 91 80

Eggs, not in shell, dried

350,0

0

AR

1602 32 11

Preparations of fowls of the species Gallus domesticus, uncooked

214,8

22

BR

---

(1)  Nomenclature of countries laid down by Commission Regulation (EU) No 1106/2012 of 27 November 2012 implementing Regulation (EC) No 471/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council on Community statistics relating to external trade with non-member countries, as regards the update of the nomenclature of countries and territories (OJ L 328, 28.11.2012, p. 7). The code ‘ZZ’ represents ‘other origins’.

1

---

| 30.5.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 139/30 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

30.5.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 139/30

---

COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2017/912

of 29 May 2017

concerning the authorisation of the preparation of Lactobacillus plantarum DSM 29024 as a feed additive for all animal species

(Text with EEA relevance)

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 September 2003 on additives for use in animal nutrition (1), and in particular Article 9(2) thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 provides for the authorisation of additives for use in animal nutrition and for the grounds and procedures for granting such authorisation. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 provides for the authorisation of additives for use in animal nutrition and for the grounds and procedures for granting such authorisation.

| (2) | In accordance with Article 7 of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 an application was submitted for the authorisation of the preparation of Lactobacillus plantarum DSM 29024. That application was accompanied by the particulars and documents required under Article 7(3) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

In accordance with Article 7 of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 an application was submitted for the authorisation of the preparation of Lactobacillus plantarum DSM 29024. That application was accompanied by the particulars and documents required under Article 7(3) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003.

| (3) | That application concerns the authorisation of the preparation of Lactobacillus plantarum DSM 29024 as a feed additive for all animal species to be classified in the additive category ‘technological additives’. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

That application concerns the authorisation of the preparation of Lactobacillus plantarum DSM 29024 as a feed additive for all animal species to be classified in the additive category ‘technological additives’.

| (4) | The European Food Safety Authority (‘the Authority’) concluded in its opinion of 6 December 2016 (2) that, under the proposed conditions of use, the preparation of Lactobacillus plantarum DSM 29024 does not have an adverse effect on animal health, human health or the environment. The Authority also concluded that the preparation concerned has the potential to improve the production of silage prepared from easy and moderately difficult to ensile material by preserving nutrients. The Authority does not consider that there is a need for specific requirements of post-market monitoring. It also verified the report on the methods of analysis of the feed additive in feed submitted by the Reference Laboratory set up by Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

The European Food Safety Authority (‘the Authority’) concluded in its opinion of 6 December 2016 (2) that, under the proposed conditions of use, the preparation of Lactobacillus plantarum DSM 29024 does not have an adverse effect on animal health, human health or the environment. The Authority also concluded that the preparation concerned has the potential to improve the production of silage prepared from easy and moderately difficult to ensile material by preserving nutrients. The Authority does not consider that there is a need for specific requirements of post-market monitoring. It also verified the report on the methods of analysis of the feed additive in feed submitted by the Reference Laboratory set up by Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003.

| (5) | The assessment of the preparation of Lactobacillus plantarum DSM 29024 shows that the conditions for authorisation, as provided for in Article 5 of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, are satisfied. Accordingly, the use of that preparation should be authorised as specified in the Annex to this Regulation. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

The assessment of the preparation of Lactobacillus plantarum DSM 29024 shows that the conditions for authorisation, as provided for in Article 5 of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, are satisfied. Accordingly, the use of that preparation should be authorised as specified in the Annex to this Regulation.

| (6) | The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed, |
| --- | --- |

(6)

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

The preparation specified in the Annex, belonging to the additive category ‘technological additives’ and to the functional group ‘silage additives’, is authorised as an additive in animal nutrition, subject to the conditions laid down in that Annex.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels, 29 May 2017.

For the Commission

The President

Jean-Claude JUNCKER

---

(1)  
  OJ L 268, 18.10.2003, p. 29.

1

(2)  
  EFSA Journal 2017; 15(1):4675.

2

EFSA Journal

---

ANNEX

| Identification number of the additive | Additive | Composition, chemical formula, description, analytical method | Species or category of animal | Maximum age | Minimum content | Maximum content | Other provisions | End of period of authorisation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| CFU of additive/kg of fresh material |
| Technological additives: silage additives |
| 1k20753 | Lactobacillus plantarum
  DSM 29024 | Additive composition

  Preparation of Lactobacillus plantarum

  DSM 29024 containing a minimum of 8 × 1010 CFU/g additive.

  Characterisation of the active substance

  Viable cells of Lactobacillus plantarum DSM 29024.

  Analytical method
   (1)

  Enumeration in the feed additive: spread plate method on de Man, Rogosa and Sharpe (MRS) agar (EN 15787).
  Identification of the feed additive: Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE). | All animal species | — | — | — | 1. | In the directions for use of the additive and premixtures, the storage conditions and stability to heat treatment shall be indicated. |

Identification number of the additive

Additive

Composition, chemical formula, description, analytical method

Species or category of animal

Maximum age

Minimum content

Maximum content

Other provisions

End of period of authorisation

CFU of additive/kg of fresh material

Technological additives: silage additives

1k20753

Lactobacillus plantarum

DSM 29024

Additive composition

Preparation of Lactobacillus plantarum

DSM 29024 containing a minimum of 8 × 1010 CFU/g additive.

Characterisation of the active substance

Viable cells of Lactobacillus plantarum DSM 29024.

Analytical method
   (1)

Enumeration in the feed additive: spread plate method on de Man, Rogosa and Sharpe (MRS) agar (EN 15787).

Identification of the feed additive: Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE).

All animal species

—

—

—

1.

In the directions for use of the additive and premixtures, the storage conditions and stability to heat treatment shall be indicated.

| 2. | Minimum content of the additive when used without combination with other micro-organisms as silage additives: 5 × 107 CFU/kg of easy and moderately difficult to ensile fresh material (2). |
| --- | --- |

2.

Minimum content of the additive when used without combination with other micro-organisms as silage additives: 5 × 107 CFU/kg of easy and moderately difficult to ensile fresh material (2).

| 3. | For users of the additive and premixtures, feed business operators shall establish operational procedures and organisational measures to address potential risks resulting from their use. Where those risks cannot be eliminated or reduced to a minimum by such procedures and measures, the additive and premixtures shall be used with personal protective equipment, including breathing protection. |
| --- | --- |

3.

For users of the additive and premixtures, feed business operators shall establish operational procedures and organisational measures to address potential risks resulting from their use. Where those risks cannot be eliminated or reduced to a minimum by such procedures and measures, the additive and premixtures shall be used with personal protective equipment, including breathing protection.

19 June 2027

---

(1)  Details of the analytical methods are available at the following address of the Reference Laboratory: https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/en/eurl/feed-additives/evaluation-reports

(2)  Easy to ensile forage: > 3 % soluble carbohydrates in fresh material. Moderately difficult to ensile forage: 1,5-3,0 % soluble carbohydrates in the fresh material. Commission Regulation (EC) No 429/2008 of 25 April 2008 on detailed rules for the implementation of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the preparation and the presentation of application sand the assessment and the authorisation of feed additives (OJ L 133, 22.5.2008, p. 1).

---

| 30.5.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 139/33 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

30.5.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 139/33

---

COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2017/913

of 29 May 2017

concerning the authorisation of a preparation of fumonisin esterase produced by Komagataella pastoris (DSM 26643) as a feed additive for all avian species

(Text with EEA relevance)

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 September 2003 on additives for use in animal nutrition (1), and in particular Article 9(2) thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 provides for the authorisation of additives for use in animal nutrition and for the grounds and procedures for granting such authorisation. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 provides for the authorisation of additives for use in animal nutrition and for the grounds and procedures for granting such authorisation.

| (2) | In accordance with Article 7 of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, an application was submitted for the authorisation of a preparation of fumonisin esterase produced by Komagataella pastoris (DSM 26643). That application was accompanied by the particulars and documents required under Article 7(3) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

In accordance with Article 7 of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, an application was submitted for the authorisation of a preparation of fumonisin esterase produced by Komagataella pastoris (DSM 26643). That application was accompanied by the particulars and documents required under Article 7(3) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003.

| (3) | That application concerns the authorisation of a new use of a preparation of fumonisin esterase produced by Komagataella pastoris (DSM 26643) as a feed additive for all avian species, to be classified in the additive category ‘technological additives’. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

That application concerns the authorisation of a new use of a preparation of fumonisin esterase produced by Komagataella pastoris (DSM 26643) as a feed additive for all avian species, to be classified in the additive category ‘technological additives’.

| (4) | That additive was already authorised as feed additive for 10 years by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1115/2014 (2) for pigs. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

That additive was already authorised as feed additive for 10 years by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1115/2014 (2) for pigs.

| (5) | The European Food Safety Authority (‘the Authority’) in its opinion of 18 October 2016 (3) concluded that, under the proposed conditions of use, the preparation of fumonisin esterase produced by Komagataella pastoris (DSM 26643) does not have adverse effect on animal health, human health or the environment. It also concluded that it has the capacity to degrade fumonisins in contaminated feed for chickens for fattening, turkeys for fattening and laying hens. This conclusion can be extrapolated to all avian species. The Authority does not consider that there is a need for specific requirements of post-market monitoring. It also verified the report on the method of analysis of the feed additive in feed submitted by the Reference Laboratory set up by Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

The European Food Safety Authority (‘the Authority’) in its opinion of 18 October 2016 (3) concluded that, under the proposed conditions of use, the preparation of fumonisin esterase produced by Komagataella pastoris (DSM 26643) does not have adverse effect on animal health, human health or the environment. It also concluded that it has the capacity to degrade fumonisins in contaminated feed for chickens for fattening, turkeys for fattening and laying hens. This conclusion can be extrapolated to all avian species. The Authority does not consider that there is a need for specific requirements of post-market monitoring. It also verified the report on the method of analysis of the feed additive in feed submitted by the Reference Laboratory set up by Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003.

| (6) | The assessment of the preparation of fumonisin esterase produced by Komagataella pastoris (DSM 26643) shows that the conditions for authorisation, as provided for in Article 5 of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, are satisfied. Accordingly, the use of that preparation should be authorised as specified in the Annex to this Regulation. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

The assessment of the preparation of fumonisin esterase produced by Komagataella pastoris (DSM 26643) shows that the conditions for authorisation, as provided for in Article 5 of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, are satisfied. Accordingly, the use of that preparation should be authorised as specified in the Annex to this Regulation.

| (7) | The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed, |
| --- | --- |

(7)

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

The preparation specified in the Annex, belonging to the additive category ‘technological additives’ and to the functional group ‘substances for the reduction of the contamination of feed by mycotoxins’, is authorised as an additive in animal nutrition subject to the conditions laid down in that Annex.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels, 29 May 2017.

For the Commission

The President

Jean-Claude JUNCKER

---

(1)  
  OJ L 268, 18.10.2003, p. 29.

1

(2)  Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1115/2014 of 21 October 2014 concerning the authorisation of a preparation of fumonisin esterase produced by Komagataella pastoris (DSM 26643) as a feed additive for pigs (OJ L 302, 22.10.2014, p. 51).

2

Komagataella pastoris

(3)  
  EFSA Journal 2016; 14(11):4617.

3

EFSA Journal

---

ANNEX

| Identification number of the additive | Name of the holder of authorisation | Additive | Composition, chemical formula, description, analytical method | Species or category of animal | Maximum age | Minimum content | Maximum content | Other provisions | End of period of authorisation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Units of activity/kg of complete feedingstuff with a moisture content of 12 % |
| Technological additives: substances for reduction of the contamination of feed by mycotoxins: fumonisins |
| 1m03 | — | Fumonisin esterase
  EC 3.1.1.87 | Additive composition

  Preparation of fumonisin esterase produced by Komagataella pastoris (DSM 26643) containing a minimum of 3 000 U (1)/g.

  Characterisation of the active substance

  Preparation of fumonisin esterase produced by Komagataella pastoris (DSM 26643).

  Analytical method
   (2)

  For the determination of fumonisin esterase activity: High Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled to a tandem mass spectrometry.
  (HPLC-MS/MS) method based on the quantification of the tricarballylic acid released from the action of the enzyme on fumonisin B1 at pH 8,0 and 30 °C. | All avian species | — | 15 U | — | 1. | In the directions for use of the additive and premixtures, the storage conditions and stability to heat treatment shall be indicated. |

Identification number of the additive

Name of the holder of authorisation

Additive

Composition, chemical formula, description, analytical method

Species or category of animal

Maximum age

Minimum content

Maximum content

Other provisions

End of period of authorisation

Units of activity/kg of complete feedingstuff with a moisture content of 12 %

Technological additives: substances for reduction of the contamination of feed by mycotoxins: fumonisins

1m03

—

Fumonisin esterase

EC 3.1.1.87

Additive composition

Preparation of fumonisin esterase produced by Komagataella pastoris (DSM 26643) containing a minimum of 3 000 U (1)/g.

Characterisation of the active substance

Preparation of fumonisin esterase produced by Komagataella pastoris (DSM 26643).

Analytical method
   (2)

For the determination of fumonisin esterase activity: High Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled to a tandem mass spectrometry.

(HPLC-MS/MS) method based on the quantification of the tricarballylic acid released from the action of the enzyme on fumonisin B1 at pH 8,0 and 30 °C.

All avian species

—

15 U

—

1.

In the directions for use of the additive and premixtures, the storage conditions and stability to heat treatment shall be indicated.

| 2. | Recommended maximum dose: 300 U/kg of complete feedingstuff. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Recommended maximum dose: 300 U/kg of complete feedingstuff.

| 3. | The use of the additive is allowed in feedingstuffs complying with the European Union legislation on undesirable substances in animal feed (3). |
| --- | --- |

3.

The use of the additive is allowed in feedingstuffs complying with the European Union legislation on undesirable substances in animal feed (3).

| 4. | For users of the additive and premixtures, feed business operators shall establish operational procedures and organisational measures to address potential risks resulting from their use. Where those risks cannot be eliminated or reduced to a minimum by such procedures and measures, the additive and premixtures shall be used with personal protective equipment, including breathing protection. |
| --- | --- |

4.

For users of the additive and premixtures, feed business operators shall establish operational procedures and organisational measures to address potential risks resulting from their use. Where those risks cannot be eliminated or reduced to a minimum by such procedures and measures, the additive and premixtures shall be used with personal protective equipment, including breathing protection.

19 June 2027

---

(1)  1 U is the enzymatic activity that releases 1 μmol tricarballylic acid per minute from 100 μΜ fumonisin B1 in 20 mM Tris-Cl buffer pH 8,0 with 0,1 mg/ml bovine serum albumin at 30 °C.

(2)  Details of the analytical methods are available at the following address of the Reference Laboratory for Feed Additives: https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/en/eurl/feed-additives/evaluation-reports

(3)  Directive 2002/32/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 May 2002 on undesirable substances in animal feed (OJ L 140, 30.5.2002, p. 10).

---

| 30.5.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 139/36 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

30.5.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 139/36

---

COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2017/914

of 29 May 2017

establishing the standard import values for determining the entry price of certain fruit and vegetables

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products and repealing Council Regulations (EEC) No 922/72, (EEC) No 234/79, (EC) No 1037/2001 and (EC) No 1234/2007 (1),

Having regard to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 543/2011 of 7 June 2011 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 in respect of the fruit and vegetables and processed fruit and vegetables sectors (2), and in particular Article 136(1) thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | Implementing Regulation (EU) No 543/2011 lays down, pursuant to the outcome of the Uruguay Round multilateral trade negotiations, the criteria whereby the Commission fixes the standard values for imports from third countries, in respect of the products and periods stipulated in Annex XVI, Part A thereto. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Implementing Regulation (EU) No 543/2011 lays down, pursuant to the outcome of the Uruguay Round multilateral trade negotiations, the criteria whereby the Commission fixes the standard values for imports from third countries, in respect of the products and periods stipulated in Annex XVI, Part A thereto.

| (2) | The standard import value is calculated each working day, in accordance with Article 136(1) of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 543/2011, taking into account variable daily data. Therefore this Regulation should enter into force on the day of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union, |
| --- | --- |

(2)

The standard import value is calculated each working day, in accordance with Article 136(1) of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 543/2011, taking into account variable daily data. Therefore this Regulation should enter into force on the day of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

The standard import values referred to in Article 136 of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 543/2011 are fixed in the Annex to this Regulation.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on the day of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels, 29 May 2017.

For the Commission,

On behalf of the President,

Jerzy PLEWA

Director-General

Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development

---

(1)  
  OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 671.

1

(2)  
  OJ L 157, 15.6.2011, p. 1.

2

---

ANNEX

Standard import values for determining the entry price of certain fruit and vegetables

| (EUR/100 kg) |
| --- |
| CN code | Third country code (1) | Standard import value |
| 0702 00 00 | MA | 115,8 |
| TR | 67,0 |
| ZZ | 91,4 |
| 0707 00 05 | TR | 84,9 |
| ZZ | 84,9 |
| 0709 93 10 | TR | 129,3 |
| ZZ | 129,3 |
| 0805 10 22 , 0805 10 24 , 0805 10 28 | EG | 67,6 |
| MA | 55,3 |
| TR | 48,9 |
| ZA | 99,2 |
| ZZ | 67,8 |
| 0805 50 10 | AR | 116,2 |
| TR | 123,7 |
| ZA | 150,8 |
| ZZ | 130,2 |
| 0808 10 80 | AR | 100,8 |
| BR | 113,7 |
| CL | 128,0 |
| CN | 145,5 |
| NZ | 152,5 |
| US | 110,3 |
| ZA | 105,8 |
| ZZ | 122,4 |
| 0809 29 00 | TR | 367,5 |
| ZZ | 367,5 |

(EUR/100 kg)

CN code

Third country code (1)

Standard import value

0702 00 00

MA

115,8

TR

67,0

ZZ

91,4

0707 00 05

TR

84,9

ZZ

84,9

0709 93 10

TR

129,3

ZZ

129,3

0805 10 22 , 0805 10 24 , 0805 10 28

EG

67,6

MA

55,3

TR

48,9

ZA

99,2

ZZ

67,8

0805 50 10

AR

116,2

TR

123,7

ZA

150,8

ZZ

130,2

0808 10 80

AR

100,8

BR

113,7

CL

128,0

CN

145,5

NZ

152,5

US

110,3

ZA

105,8

ZZ

122,4

0809 29 00

TR

367,5

ZZ

367,5

---

(1)  Nomenclature of countries laid down by Commission Regulation (EU) No 1106/2012 of 27 November 2012 implementing Regulation (EC) No 471/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council on Community statistics relating to external trade with non-member countries, as regards the update of the nomenclature of countries and territories (OJ L 328, 28.11.2012, p. 7). Code ‘ZZ’ stands for ‘of other origin’.

---

DECISIONS

| 30.5.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 139/38 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

30.5.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 139/38

---

COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2017/915

of 29 May 2017

on Union outreach activities in support of the implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Articles 28(1) and 31(1) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,

Whereas:

| (1) | The Arms Trade Treaty (‘ATT’) was adopted by the UN General Assembly on 2 April 2013. The ATT was subsequently opened for signature on 3 June 2013 and entered into force on 24 December 2014. All Member States are parties to the ATT. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

The Arms Trade Treaty (‘ATT’) was adopted by the UN General Assembly on 2 April 2013. The ATT was subsequently opened for signature on 3 June 2013 and entered into force on 24 December 2014. All Member States are parties to the ATT.

| (2) | The ATT aims to establish the highest possible common international standards to regulate legal trade in conventional weapons and to prevent and eradicate the illicit trade in conventional arms and prevent their diversion. Key challenges are its effective implementation by States Parties and its universalisation, bearing in mind that regulating the international arms trade is by definition a global endeavour. To contribute to addressing these challenges, the Council adopted Decision 2013/768/CFSP (1) on 16 December 2013, thereby enlarging the export control-related assistance portfolio of the Union with activities specific to the ATT. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

The ATT aims to establish the highest possible common international standards to regulate legal trade in conventional weapons and to prevent and eradicate the illicit trade in conventional arms and prevent their diversion. Key challenges are its effective implementation by States Parties and its universalisation, bearing in mind that regulating the international arms trade is by definition a global endeavour. To contribute to addressing these challenges, the Council adopted Decision 2013/768/CFSP (1) on 16 December 2013, thereby enlarging the export control-related assistance portfolio of the Union with activities specific to the ATT.

| (3) | Activities carried out under Decision 2013/768/CFSP have addressed sixteen beneficiary countries and have covered a wide range of areas relevant to the establishment and development of a national arms transfer control system as mandated by the ATT. Cooperation has started promisingly with a number of countries that had never before been addressed under other Union export control-related assistance activities, thereby reflecting the global nature of the ATT. Follow-up is therefore advisable towards this sub-set of countries to ensure that progress is sustained and to encourage regional outreach by these beneficiary countries themselves. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

Activities carried out under Decision 2013/768/CFSP have addressed sixteen beneficiary countries and have covered a wide range of areas relevant to the establishment and development of a national arms transfer control system as mandated by the ATT. Cooperation has started promisingly with a number of countries that had never before been addressed under other Union export control-related assistance activities, thereby reflecting the global nature of the ATT. Follow-up is therefore advisable towards this sub-set of countries to ensure that progress is sustained and to encourage regional outreach by these beneficiary countries themselves.

| (4) | In addition to the continuation of activities with beneficiary countries addressed under Decision 2013/768/CFSP, it is advisable to pursue a demand-driven approach whereby assistance activities could be activated at the request of countries having identified needs with regard to ATT implementation. Such an approach has proven to be fair and successful in providing assistance to countries that have expressed commitment and ownership regarding the ATT through their requests for Union assistance. This Decision therefore retains a specific number of activities that will be available upon request. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

In addition to the continuation of activities with beneficiary countries addressed under Decision 2013/768/CFSP, it is advisable to pursue a demand-driven approach whereby assistance activities could be activated at the request of countries having identified needs with regard to ATT implementation. Such an approach has proven to be fair and successful in providing assistance to countries that have expressed commitment and ownership regarding the ATT through their requests for Union assistance. This Decision therefore retains a specific number of activities that will be available upon request.

| (5) | Union assistance provided under Council Decision (CFSP) 2015/2309 (2) addresses a number of countries in the close eastern and southern neighbourhood of the Union. The Union is also a longstanding provider of export control assistance in dual-use goods under its Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace (IcSP), supporting the development of legal frameworks and institutional capacities for the establishment and enforcement of effective export controls on dual-use goods. Via the IcSP instrument and Council Joint Action 2006/419/CFSP (3), Council Joint Action 2008/368/CFSP (4) and Council Decision 2013/391/CFSP (5), the Union also supports the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1540 (2004) which mandates effective transfer controls over weapons of mass destruction-related goods.
  Controls developed for the implementation of UNSCR 1540 (2004), and under the Union dual-use export control assistance programmes, contribute to the overall capacity to effectively implement the ATT since, in many instances, the laws, administrative procedures and agencies in charge of dual-use export control overlap with those in charge of conventional arms export control. It is thus crucial to ensure close coordination between activities carried out in dual-use goods export controls and activities supporting the implementation of the ATT. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

Union assistance provided under Council Decision (CFSP) 2015/2309 (2) addresses a number of countries in the close eastern and southern neighbourhood of the Union. The Union is also a longstanding provider of export control assistance in dual-use goods under its Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace (IcSP), supporting the development of legal frameworks and institutional capacities for the establishment and enforcement of effective export controls on dual-use goods. Via the IcSP instrument and Council Joint Action 2006/419/CFSP (3), Council Joint Action 2008/368/CFSP (4) and Council Decision 2013/391/CFSP (5), the Union also supports the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1540 (2004) which mandates effective transfer controls over weapons of mass destruction-related goods.

Controls developed for the implementation of UNSCR 1540 (2004), and under the Union dual-use export control assistance programmes, contribute to the overall capacity to effectively implement the ATT since, in many instances, the laws, administrative procedures and agencies in charge of dual-use export control overlap with those in charge of conventional arms export control. It is thus crucial to ensure close coordination between activities carried out in dual-use goods export controls and activities supporting the implementation of the ATT.

| (6) | The overall large number of activities provided for in this Decision justifies using two implementing entities so that workload can be efficiently shared. The German Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA) has been entrusted by the Council and the Commission with the implementation of earlier export-control related projects. BAFA has accordingly developed a large body of knowledge and expertise. Expertise France is in charge of EU P2P dual-use goods related projects funded under the IcSP. Its role in implementing this Decision will help ensure proper coordination with dual-use related projects, |
| --- | --- |

(6)

The overall large number of activities provided for in this Decision justifies using two implementing entities so that workload can be efficiently shared. The German Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA) has been entrusted by the Council and the Commission with the implementation of earlier export-control related projects. BAFA has accordingly developed a large body of knowledge and expertise. Expertise France is in charge of EU P2P dual-use goods related projects funded under the IcSP. Its role in implementing this Decision will help ensure proper coordination with dual-use related projects,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

1.   For the purpose of supporting the effective implementation and universalisation of the ATT, the Union shall undertake activities with the following objectives:

| (a) | to support a number of States to strengthen their arms transfer control systems for effective implementation of the ATT; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

to support a number of States to strengthen their arms transfer control systems for effective implementation of the ATT;

| (b) | to increase awareness and ownership of the ATT at national and regional levels by the relevant national and regional authorities and civil society stakeholders. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

to increase awareness and ownership of the ATT at national and regional levels by the relevant national and regional authorities and civil society stakeholders.

2.   In order to achieve the objectives referred to in paragraph 1, the Union shall undertake the following project activities:

| (a) | assisting beneficiary countries in drafting, updating, and implementing, as appropriate, relevant legislative and administrative measures aimed at establishing and developing an effective system of arms transfer control in line with the requirements of the ATT; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

assisting beneficiary countries in drafting, updating, and implementing, as appropriate, relevant legislative and administrative measures aimed at establishing and developing an effective system of arms transfer control in line with the requirements of the ATT;

| (b) | strengthening the expertise and capacities of the beneficiary countries' licensing and enforcement officers notably through best practices sharing, training and access to relevant information sources in order to ensure adequate implementation and enforcement of arms transfer controls; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

strengthening the expertise and capacities of the beneficiary countries' licensing and enforcement officers notably through best practices sharing, training and access to relevant information sources in order to ensure adequate implementation and enforcement of arms transfer controls;

| (c) | promoting transparency in the international arms trade, building on the transparency requirements of the ATT; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

promoting transparency in the international arms trade, building on the transparency requirements of the ATT;

| (d) | promoting sustained adherence to the ATT by the beneficiary countries and their neighbours by involving relevant national and regional stakeholders such as national parliaments, competent regional organisations and civil society representatives who have a long term interest in monitoring the effective implementation of the ATT. |
| --- | --- |

(d)

promoting sustained adherence to the ATT by the beneficiary countries and their neighbours by involving relevant national and regional stakeholders such as national parliaments, competent regional organisations and civil society representatives who have a long term interest in monitoring the effective implementation of the ATT.

A detailed description of the project activities referred to in this paragraph is set out in the Annex.

Article 2

1.   The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (the ‘High Representative’) shall be responsible for implementing this Decision.

2.   The technical implementation of the project activities referred to in Article 1(2) shall be organised by BAFA and Expertise France.

3.   BAFA and Expertise France shall perform their tasks under the responsibility of the High Representative. For that purpose, the High Representative shall enter into the necessary arrangements with BAFA and Expertise France.

Article 3

1.   The financial reference amount for the implementation of the project activities referred to in Article 1(2) shall be EUR 7 178 924,36. The total estimated budget of the overall project shall be EUR 8 368 151,36. The part of that estimated budget not covered by the reference amount shall be provided through co-financing by the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany and Expertise France.

2.   The expenditure financed by the reference amount set out in paragraph 1 shall be managed in accordance with the procedures and rules applicable to the Union's budget.

3.   The Commission shall supervise the proper management of the expenditure referred to in paragraph 1. For that purpose, it shall conclude the necessary financing agreements with BAFA and Expertise France. The financing agreements shall stipulate that BAFA and Expertise France are to ensure the visibility of the Union's contribution, appropriate to its size.

4.   The Commission shall endeavour to conclude the financing agreements referred to in paragraph 3 as soon as possible after the entry into force of this Decision. It shall inform the Council of any difficulties in that process and of the date of conclusion of the financing agreement.

Article 4

1.   The High Representative shall report to the Council on the implementation of this Decision on the basis of regular reports prepared by the implementing entities. The reports shall form the basis for the evaluation carried out by the Council.

2.   The Commission shall provide information on the financial aspects of the implementation of the project activities referred to in Article 1(2).

Article 5

This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

It shall expire 36 months after the date of conclusion of the financing agreements referred to in Article 3(3), or six months after the date of its adoption if those financing agreements have not been concluded within that period.

Done at Brussels, 29 May 2017.

For the Council

The President

C. CARDONA

---

(1)  Council Decision 2013/768/CFSP of 16 December 2013 on EU activities in support of the implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty, in the framework of the European Security Strategy (OJ L 341, 18.12.2013, p. 56).

1

(2)  Council Decision (CFSP) 2015/2309 of 10 December 2015 on the promotion of effective arms export controls (OJ L 326, 11.12.2015, p. 56).

2

(3)  Council Joint Action 2006/419/CFSP of 12 June 2006 in support of the implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540 (2004) and in the framework of the implementation of the EU Strategy against the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (OJ L 165, 17.6.2006, p. 30).

3

(4)  Council Joint Action 2008/368/CFSP of 14 May 2008 in support of the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540 (2004) and in the framework of the implementation of the EU strategy against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (OJ L 127, 15.5.2008, p. 78).

4

(5)  Council Decision 2013/391/CFSP of 22 July 2013 in support of the practical implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540 (2004) on non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery (OJ L 198, 23.7.2013, p. 40).

5

---

ANNEX

1.   Background and rationale for Union support

This Decision builds on earlier Council Decisions that support the UN process leading to the Arms Trade Treaty (‘ATT’) and the promotion of its effective implementation and universalisation (1). The ATT was adopted on 2 April 2013 by the UN General Assembly and entered into force on 24 December 2014.

The declared objective of the ATT is to ‘establish the highest possible common international standards for regulating or improving the regulation of the international trade in conventional arms and prevent and eradicate the illicit trade in conventional arms and prevent their diversion’. Its declared purpose is ‘contributing to international and regional peace, security and stability; reducing human suffering and promoting cooperation, transparency and responsible action by States Parties in the international trade in conventional arms, thereby building confidence among States Parties’. The ATT's objective and purpose are therefore compatible with the Union's overall ambition with regard to foreign and security policy as enshrined in Article 21 of the Treaty on European Union.

Further to the adoption of the ATT in 2013, the main challenges now lie in its effective implementation and universalisation.

Export control assistance and outreach is crucial to addressing those challenges and are therefore the central elements of this Decision. With regard to export control assistance, this Decision addresses specific partner countries and leaves open the scope for possible assistance to new countries that request it.

Regarding the nine specific partner countries (Senegal, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Philippines, Georgia, Peru, Jamaica, Colombia, Costa Rica), this Decision provides for the further development of cooperation initiated by the first phase of implementation support activities as funded by Decision 2013/768/CFSP.

Regarding the scope for requesting beneficiary countries, this Decision is based on the same proven activities carried out under Decision 2013/768/CFSP:

| — | dedicated assistance programmes whereby beneficiary countries will be assisted in a tailored and far-reaching manner to meet the requirements of the ATT. Assistance will be developed, according to an assistance roadmap, to be agreed with the beneficiary countries, that will specify priorities for action, ensure local ownership and indicate commitment where relevant, towards ratification of the ATT; |
| --- | --- |

—

dedicated assistance programmes whereby beneficiary countries will be assisted in a tailored and far-reaching manner to meet the requirements of the ATT. Assistance will be developed, according to an assistance roadmap, to be agreed with the beneficiary countries, that will specify priorities for action, ensure local ownership and indicate commitment where relevant, towards ratification of the ATT;

| — | ad hoc assistance activities that will address beneficiary countries with limited and more specified needs. Those ad hoc assistance activities will enable the Union to address requests for assistance in a flexible and reactive manner. |
| --- | --- |

—

ad hoc assistance activities that will address beneficiary countries with limited and more specified needs. Those ad hoc assistance activities will enable the Union to address requests for assistance in a flexible and reactive manner.

Finally, referring to the challenge of universalisation of the ATT, this Decision includes a regional outreach component that builds upon the nine specific partner countries with the participation of the most relevant regional organisations. Another lever in the support of universalisation is outreach through the annual conference of ATT States Parties.

This Decision therefore provides a comprehensive set of assistance and outreach activities in order to contribute to addressing the challenges of effective implementation and universalisation. It builds upon the results and lessons learnt of the earlier phase funded by Decision 2013/768/CFSP and demonstrates the continued and committed support to the ATT by the Union and its Member States.

2.   Overall objectives

The core objective of this Decision is to support a number of States to strengthen their arms transfer control systems for effective implementation of the ATT and to promote its universalisation. Specifically, the Union action will provide:

| (a) | reinforcement of arms transfer control capacities and expertise of beneficiary countries; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

reinforcement of arms transfer control capacities and expertise of beneficiary countries;

| (b) | further awareness of, and ownership by relevant stakeholders such as competent regional organisations, national parliaments and civil society representatives that are interested in the ATT's long term implementation effectiveness; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

further awareness of, and ownership by relevant stakeholders such as competent regional organisations, national parliaments and civil society representatives that are interested in the ATT's long term implementation effectiveness;

| (c) | outreach to other countries with a view to supporting universalisation and effective implementation of the ATT. |
| --- | --- |

(c)

outreach to other countries with a view to supporting universalisation and effective implementation of the ATT.

3.   Description of project activities

3.1.   Strengthening the pool of experts set up by Decision 2013/768/CFSP

3.1.1.   Project objective

The pool of experts set up by Decision 2013/768/CFSP has provided a well-identified, competent and reliable resource to appropriately support assistance activities. With the experience gained, it is now necessary to enlarge the pool in terms of the number of experts and variety of their expertise, and the type of experts used, for example, the inclusion of non-governmental experts; to encourage their longer term involvement in the beneficiary countries; and to develop a ‘train the trainer’ component within the pool.

3.1.2.   Project description

The implementing entities will work to enlarge the pool of experts, ensuring a broad geographical representation and range of expertise, insofar as this is possible. They should notably encourage the participation of experts from countries that have recently been successful in developing national arms transfer control systems, including those developed in connection with international assistance received. The implementing entities shall report regularly to the Council Working Party on Conventional Arms Exports (COARM) on the pool, its composition and its capacity to shoulder the workload entailed by the activities foreseen by this Decision. Where necessary, COARM may decide on corrective measures.

The overall expertise of the pool of experts should cover the full scope of a national arms transfer control system in particular, legal issues, licensing, customs/enforcement, awareness, prosecution/sanctions, reporting/transparency.

3.1.2.1.   Experts

Implementing entities will ensure a fair and transparent hiring of experts and, regarding Union experts, will fully use the Union roster of outreach experts which is circulated and updated in COARM.

3.1.2.2.   Experts meetings

Four two-day meetings of experts will be convened by the implementing entities (two meetings each) during the period of validity of this Decision. These meetings will notably aim to:

| — | develop a common understanding among experts of the challenges and responses relating to ATT implementation support; |
| --- | --- |

—

develop a common understanding among experts of the challenges and responses relating to ATT implementation support;

| — | develop, as appropriate, common material to be used in the assistance imparted by experts (such as a handbook and guidelines) so that advice provided by experts is consistent; |
| --- | --- |

—

develop, as appropriate, common material to be used in the assistance imparted by experts (such as a handbook and guidelines) so that advice provided by experts is consistent;

| — | assess the ‘train the trainer’ component (see 3.1.2.3. and decide upon amendments as necessary. |
| --- | --- |

—

assess the ‘train the trainer’ component (see 3.1.2.3. and decide upon amendments as necessary.

Two meetings, including the first kick-off one, should take place in Brussels. The other two meetings will take place according to the location of the implementing entity. Up to 40 experts will be invited to each meeting, based on geographical balance and considering the needs of the ‘train the trainer’ component (see 3.1.2.3.).

3.1.2.3.   ‘Train the Trainer’ component

This component intends to support the training of a number of beneficiary countries' experts in order to enable them to effectively train their own colleagues at a later stage. Where possible, the implementing entities will advertise the ‘train the trainer’ component and identify future trainers when starting assistance activities in beneficiary countries under this Decision. These officials will subsequently be registered in the pool of experts and accordingly invited to the experts meetings referred to in 3.1.2.2.

The ‘train the trainer’ component will take place on an extra third day, directly after the experts meetings. It will gather future trainers and the appropriate number of experts from the pool imparting the training.

In between annual experts meetings and their additional ‘train the trainer’ components, contacts between training experts and future trainers will be encouraged and, as appropriate, extra training sessions could be scheduled in the beneficiary countries back to back with the assistance activities planned (for example half a day of a workshop dedicated, referred to in 3.2.3.1.).

Up to 15 future trainers will be enrolled for each session.

The implementing entity in charge of the experts meeting will be responsible for the related ‘train the trainer’ component.

3.2.   Further assistance to long term partner countries

3.2.1.   Long term partner countries

Senegal, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Philippines, Georgia, Peru, Jamaica, Colombia, Costa Rica.

These long term partner countries will be addressed as follows by the implementing entities:

| — | BAFA: Ghana; Georgia; Peru; Jamaica; Colombia; Costa Rica |
| --- | --- |

—

BAFA: Ghana; Georgia; Peru; Jamaica; Colombia; Costa Rica

| — | Expertise France: Senegal; Burkina Faso; Philippines |
| --- | --- |

—

Expertise France: Senegal; Burkina Faso; Philippines

3.2.2.   Project objective

Decision 2013/768/CFSP has enabled the Union to initiate cooperation based on an initial roadmap, with the nine partner countries referred to in 3.2.1. The full or partial completion of the roadmap has in turn unveiled additional challenges that need to be addressed to progress towards fuller implementation of the ATT. An overall number of activities available will therefore be provided and be allocated according to the needs, interests and absorption capacities of the beneficiary countries.

3.2.3.   Project description

3.2.3.1.   Workshops in countries

An overall amount of 45 two-day workshops in the beneficiary countries will be set up for the nine long term partner countries as follow up to the work and achievements already made under Decision 2013/768/CFSP.

3.2.3.2.   Study Visits in Member States

To complement activities taking place in the beneficiary countries, up to nine three-day study visits will be made available to government, licensing and enforcement officials of the long term partner countries to the relevant authorities of Member States. The organisation of the study visit will be ensured by the implementing entity in charge of the long term partner country benefitting from the study visit (see point 3.2.1.).

Due to their high training potential, the study visits should in principle address future trainers of the beneficiary countries, i.e. beneficiary countries' officials participating in the ‘train the trainer’ component referred to in point 3.1.2.3.

3.3.   Regional outreach

3.3.1.   Project objective

The nine beneficiary countries identified may play a fruitful role in regional outreach by further liaising with their close neighbouring countries on arms transfer issues and on the implementation of the ATT. This could encourage south-south cooperation over the longer term.

This Decision therefore provides them with the possibility, jointly or individually, to host, according to their capacities up to three of their neighbouring countries for sub-regional workshops.

3.3.2.   Project description

Up to 12 two-day workshops will be planned for regional outreach purposes. Unless agreed otherwise with the host countries, they will take place as follows:

| — | Senegal, Burkina Faso, Ghana: up to 3 workshops for up to three ECOWAS countries, where appropriate in cooperation with the ECOWAS Commission, on a rotational basis unless decided otherwise by the three host countries in question; |
| --- | --- |

—

Senegal, Burkina Faso, Ghana: up to 3 workshops for up to three ECOWAS countries, where appropriate in cooperation with the ECOWAS Commission, on a rotational basis unless decided otherwise by the three host countries in question;

| — | Peru, Costa Rica and Columbia: up to 3 workshops for up to three UNLIREC countries, where appropriate in cooperation with UNLIREC, on a rotational basis unless decided otherwise by the three host countries in question; |
| --- | --- |

—

Peru, Costa Rica and Columbia: up to 3 workshops for up to three UNLIREC countries, where appropriate in cooperation with UNLIREC, on a rotational basis unless decided otherwise by the three host countries in question;

| — | Philippines, Georgia, Jamaica: up to two workshops each for up to three of their respective neighbours. Georgia and Philippines host the regional Secretariat of the CBRN Centres of Excellence, which may facilitate synergies with export control-related projects, as well as the identification of, and contacts with, the countries invited. |
| --- | --- |

—

Philippines, Georgia, Jamaica: up to two workshops each for up to three of their respective neighbours. Georgia and Philippines host the regional Secretariat of the CBRN Centres of Excellence, which may facilitate synergies with export control-related projects, as well as the identification of, and contacts with, the countries invited.

Up to ten officials per invited neighbouring country will be invited.

Expertise France will address workshops relating to Senegal, Burkina Faso, Ghana and the Philippines and BAFA will address workshops relating to Peru, Costa Rica, Columbia, Georgia and Jamaica.

3.4.   Roadmap-based assistance programmes

3.4.1.   Project objective

The objective of the dedicated assistance programmes and their related roadmaps is to strengthen the capacities of the beneficiary countries to meet the ATT requirements in a global and sustained manner. The roadmap will provide predictability to the new beneficiary country as to what is planned in terms of assistance and will map the improvements that can be expected in its transfer control capacities. Beneficiary countries will be countries requesting assistance after adoption of this Decision.

3.4.2.   Project description

National assistance programmes will be established for up to nine beneficiary countries.

The dedicated assistance programmes should be developed according to the following steps:

| (a) | request for assistance to implement the ATT. This request should be as substantiated as possible, and should identify which specific areas are to be targeted to receive assistance. Where relevant, the requesting country should also refer to past and ongoing assistance from other assistance providers (see also section 6 below) and provide information on its national ATT implementation strategy; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

request for assistance to implement the ATT. This request should be as substantiated as possible, and should identify which specific areas are to be targeted to receive assistance. Where relevant, the requesting country should also refer to past and ongoing assistance from other assistance providers (see also section 6 below) and provide information on its national ATT implementation strategy;

| (b) | based on the degree of substantiation of the request and the criteria set out in section four the High Representative, in liaison with COARM and the implementing entity, will decide on the eligibility of the requesting country; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

based on the degree of substantiation of the request and the criteria set out in section four the High Representative, in liaison with COARM and the implementing entity, will decide on the eligibility of the requesting country;

| (c) | where the request for assistance is positively received, an expert assessment visit will be organised by the implementing entity. It should proceed from close contacts between the implementing entity and the third country seeking assistance, and comprise some of the most relevant experts taken from the pool of experts.
  The expert assessment visit can, where possible, be prepared for by using questionnaires and by collecting existing information; it will be comprised of an initial assessment of the needs and priorities of the country requesting assistance. In particular, it will enable clarification with the country requesting assistance of what is required to effectively implement the ATT and the comparison of those requirements with the existing resources of the country. This initial expert assessment visit will gather all the relevant domestic agencies and stakeholders and identify motivated and reliable local partners; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

where the request for assistance is positively received, an expert assessment visit will be organised by the implementing entity. It should proceed from close contacts between the implementing entity and the third country seeking assistance, and comprise some of the most relevant experts taken from the pool of experts.

The expert assessment visit can, where possible, be prepared for by using questionnaires and by collecting existing information; it will be comprised of an initial assessment of the needs and priorities of the country requesting assistance. In particular, it will enable clarification with the country requesting assistance of what is required to effectively implement the ATT and the comparison of those requirements with the existing resources of the country. This initial expert assessment visit will gather all the relevant domestic agencies and stakeholders and identify motivated and reliable local partners;

| (d) | based on the results of the expert assessment visit, the implementing entity will draft an assistance roadmap. In drafting such an assistance roadmap, the implementing entity will take into account any ATT-related assistance possibly provided through the Voluntary Trust Fund of the ATT, the UN Trust Facility supporting Cooperation on Arms Regulation (UNSCAR), or by other organisations (see also section 6 below). Where the country seeking assistance has already developed a national implementation strategy for the ATT, the implementing entity will also ensure that the assistance roadmap is consistent with that national implementation strategy; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

based on the results of the expert assessment visit, the implementing entity will draft an assistance roadmap. In drafting such an assistance roadmap, the implementing entity will take into account any ATT-related assistance possibly provided through the Voluntary Trust Fund of the ATT, the UN Trust Facility supporting Cooperation on Arms Regulation (UNSCAR), or by other organisations (see also section 6 below). Where the country seeking assistance has already developed a national implementation strategy for the ATT, the implementing entity will also ensure that the assistance roadmap is consistent with that national implementation strategy;

| (e) | the draft assistance roadmap will be shared with the beneficiary country with a view to its endorsement by the appropriate authority. The roadmap will be tailored to the beneficiary country and will identify the priorities for assistance; |
| --- | --- |

(e)

the draft assistance roadmap will be shared with the beneficiary country with a view to its endorsement by the appropriate authority. The roadmap will be tailored to the beneficiary country and will identify the priorities for assistance;

| (f) | the roadmap will be implemented with the involvement of relevant experts taken from the pool of experts, and with the involvement of other stakeholders as appropriate. The implementing entity will have the option to delegate the organisation and/or implementation of the assessment process, and the drafting of the assistance roadmap, to an external expert or experts as appropriate. The implementing entity will oversee this process.
  The range of assistance instruments will, in particular, cover legal reviews, training seminars, workshops and promote the use of web-based tools and information sources such as the EU P2P outreach web portal and the EU P2P newsletter. Those assistance instruments will be selected by the implementing entity according to the exact needs and priorities identified by the expert assessment visit and in line with the roadmap. |
| --- | --- |

(f)

the roadmap will be implemented with the involvement of relevant experts taken from the pool of experts, and with the involvement of other stakeholders as appropriate. The implementing entity will have the option to delegate the organisation and/or implementation of the assessment process, and the drafting of the assistance roadmap, to an external expert or experts as appropriate. The implementing entity will oversee this process.

The range of assistance instruments will, in particular, cover legal reviews, training seminars, workshops and promote the use of web-based tools and information sources such as the EU P2P outreach web portal and the EU P2P newsletter. Those assistance instruments will be selected by the implementing entity according to the exact needs and priorities identified by the expert assessment visit and in line with the roadmap.

3.4.3.   Geographical breakdown of the roadmaps

Taking into account the activities already carried out under Decision 2013/768/CFSP and their desirable follow-up, the nine roadmaps will be implemented as follows (the implementing entity in charge is in brackets):

| — | North, Central and Western Africa: 5 (Expertise France) |
| --- | --- |

—

North, Central and Western Africa: 5 (Expertise France)

| — | Southern and Eastern Africa: 1 (BAFA) |
| --- | --- |

—

Southern and Eastern Africa: 1 (BAFA)

| — | South East Asia: 2 (BAFA) |
| --- | --- |

—

South East Asia: 2 (BAFA)

| — | Middle East & Gulf countries and Central Asia: 1 (Expertise France) |
| --- | --- |

—

Middle East & Gulf countries and Central Asia: 1 (Expertise France)

In accordance with the UN practice, contracts concluded with the implementing entities will further specify which third countries of the above mentioned geographical regions relate to the implementing entities.

3.5.   Ad hoc assistance workshops

3.5.1.   Project objective

The objective of the ad hoc assistance workshops is to strengthen the arms transfer control capacities of the beneficiary countries to meet the ATT requirements in a targeted and relevant manner. These ad hoc assistance activities will enable the Union to respond in a flexible and reactive manner to requests for assistance that identify specific needs relevant to the implementation of the ATT. They will be able to address either one beneficiary country individually, or a number of them having similar needs.

3.5.2.   Project description

Up to 14 two-day workshops will be provided to respond to targeted requests for assistance and expressions of interest to develop one or more specific areas of an arms transfer control system.

These workshops will provide tailored assistance and will address the specific issue(s) raised by the requesting country or countries. They will take place in the beneficiary countries and expertise will be imparted by experts from the pool of experts.

The High Representative, in consultation with COARM, will decide on how to respond to the assistance requests. The High Representative's assessment will in particular be guided by the criteria set out in section 4, the accuracy of the request and how it identifies the issue(s) at stake, and will consider the geographical balance.

3.5.3.   Geographical breakdown of the ad hoc assistance workshops

The 14 ad hoc assistance workshops will be implemented as follows (the implementing entity in charge is in brackets):

| — | Latin America: 3 (BAFA) and 1 (Expertise France) |
| --- | --- |

—

Latin America: 3 (BAFA) and 1 (Expertise France)

| — | Africa: 3 (Expertise France) |
| --- | --- |

—

Africa: 3 (Expertise France)

| — | Central and South East Asia: 2 (BAFA) and 1 (Expertise France) |
| --- | --- |

—

Central and South East Asia: 2 (BAFA) and 1 (Expertise France)

| — | Eastern Europe and Caucasus: 2 (BAFA) |
| --- | --- |

—

Eastern Europe and Caucasus: 2 (BAFA)

| — | Gulf countries and Middle East: 2 (Expertise France) |
| --- | --- |

—

Gulf countries and Middle East: 2 (Expertise France)

In accordance with UN practice, contracts concluded with the implementing entities will further specify which third countries of the above mentioned geographical regions relate to the implementing entities.

3.6.   Final conference of countries that are beneficiaries of ATT assistance activities

3.6.1.   Project objective

The objective of the conference is to increase the awareness and ownership of relevant stakeholders such as competent regional organisations, national parliaments and civil society representatives that are interested in the ATT's long term implementation effectiveness.

3.6.2.   Project description

The project will take the form of a two-day conference to be organised close to the end of the implementation of this Decision and possibly back to back with a COARM meeting. BAFA will be in charge of its implementation. This conference will gather relevant representatives of the nine long-term beneficiaries (3.2.1.) and of countries beneficiary of activities referred to in 3.4. and 3.5.

The Conference will facilitate exchanges of experience by the beneficiary countries, provide information on their positions vis-à-vis the ATT and the ATT's ratification and implementation status, and will enable the sharing of relevant information with representatives of national parliaments, regional organisations and civil society.

Participants in the Conference should therefore include:

| — | diplomatic and military/defence personnel from the beneficiary countries, in particular authorities responsible for national policies regarding the ATT; |
| --- | --- |

—

diplomatic and military/defence personnel from the beneficiary countries, in particular authorities responsible for national policies regarding the ATT;

| — | technical and law-enforcement personnel from the beneficiary countries, in particular licensing authorities, customs, and law enforcement officials; |
| --- | --- |

—

technical and law-enforcement personnel from the beneficiary countries, in particular licensing authorities, customs, and law enforcement officials;

| — | representatives of national, regional and international organisations involved in the provision of assistance, as well as representatives of countries interested in providing or receiving strategic trade control assistance; |
| --- | --- |

—

representatives of national, regional and international organisations involved in the provision of assistance, as well as representatives of countries interested in providing or receiving strategic trade control assistance;

| — | representatives of relevant non-governmental organisations (NGOs), think tanks, national parliaments and industry. |
| --- | --- |

—

representatives of relevant non-governmental organisations (NGOs), think tanks, national parliaments and industry.

Up to 80 participants are expected to participate in the Conference. Its location and the final list of countries and organisations invited will be determined by the High Representative in consultation with COARM, on the basis of a proposal made by the implementing entity.

3.7.   Side events in the margins of ATT Conferences of States Parties

3.7.1.   Project objective

Annual Conferences of ATT States Parties offer a unique opportunity to reach out to relevant officials and stakeholders in charge of ATT matters. Union-funded side events will notably enable awareness-raising about the Union's implementation support activities, raise awareness also of countries which may subsequently seek assistance, and promote good practices notably by beneficiary countries.

3.7.2.   Project description

Three side events will take place over the duration of the programme, i.e. one for every annual Conference of ATT States Parties. Expertise France will be in charge of their implementation. Union funds may notably cover the travel expenses of up to three experts/officials from beneficiary countries.

4.   Beneficiaries of project activities referred to in sections 3.4. and 3.5.

Beneficiaries of project activities referred to in sections 3.4. and 3.5. may be States that request assistance with a view to implementing the ATT and that will be selected on the basis of, inter alia, the following criteria:

| — | the degree of political and legal commitment to adhere to the ATT and the status of implementation of international instruments relevant to arms trade and arms transfer control that are applicable to the country; |
| --- | --- |

—

the degree of political and legal commitment to adhere to the ATT and the status of implementation of international instruments relevant to arms trade and arms transfer control that are applicable to the country;

| — | the likelihood of a successful outcome of the assistance activities; |
| --- | --- |

—

the likelihood of a successful outcome of the assistance activities;

| — | the assessment of any possible assistance already received or planned in the area of dual-use and arms transfer control; |
| --- | --- |

—

the assessment of any possible assistance already received or planned in the area of dual-use and arms transfer control;

| — | the country's relevance to the global arms trade; |
| --- | --- |

—

the country's relevance to the global arms trade;

| — | the country's relevance to the security interests of the Union; |
| --- | --- |

—

the country's relevance to the security interests of the Union;

| — | Official Development Assistance (ODA) eligibility. |
| --- | --- |

—

Official Development Assistance (ODA) eligibility.

5.   Implementing entities

The workload resulting from activities under this Decision makes it advisable to use two competent implementing entities: BAFA and Expertise France. They will, where appropriate, partner with, and/or delegate to, Member States' export control agencies, relevant regional and international organisations, think tanks, research institutes and NGOs.

BAFA has been entrusted by the Council and the Commission to implement a number of earlier export-control related projects. BAFA has accordingly developed a large body of knowledge and expertise. Expertise France is in charge of EU P2P dual-use goods-related projects funded under the IcSP. Its role in implementing this Decision will help ensure proper coordination with dual use related projects. Taken together, both implementing entities therefore have the proven experience, qualifications and necessary expertise over the full range of relevant Union export control activities, both in the dual-use and arms export control areas.

6.   Coordination with other relevant assistance activities

The utmost attention should also be paid by the implementing entities to ATT-relevant activities carried out under the UN programme of action to prevent, combat and eradicate the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects and its Implementation Support System (PoA-ISS), UNSCR 1540 (2004), the ATT Voluntary Trust Fund and the UNSCAR, as well as bilateral assistance activities. The implementing entities should liaise as appropriate with other assistance providers in order to ensure that there is no duplication of effort and that there is maximum consistency and complementarity.

The project shall also aim to increase among the beneficiary countries the awareness of Union instruments able to support south-south cooperation in export controls. In this regard, the assistance activities should provide information on and promote available instruments such as the EU CBRN Centres of Excellence Initiative and other EU P2P Programmes.

7.   Union visibility and availability of assistance material

Material produced by the project will ensure the visibility of the Union, based in particular on the logo and graphic chart of the Communication and Visibility Manual for European Union External Actions including the logo ‘EU P2P export control programme’. Union Delegations should be involved in events in third countries to enhance political follow-up and visibility.

The EU P2P web portal (https://export-control.jrc.ec.europa.eu) will be promoted for the purpose of the ATT-related assistance activities under this Decision. The implementing entities should therefore, in the respective assistance activities they carry out, include information on the web portal and encourage the consultation and use of the portal's technical resources. They should ensure the visibility of the Union in the promotion of the web portal. Furthermore, activities should be promoted through the EU P2P newsletter.

8.   Impact assessment

The impact of activities provided for by this Decision should be technically assessed upon their completion. Based on information and reports provided by the implementing entities, the impact assessment will be carried out by the High Representative, in cooperation with COARM and, as appropriate, with the Union Delegations in the beneficiary countries, as well as with other relevant stakeholders.

Regarding countries that have benefited from a dedicated assistance programme, the impact assessment should pay special attention to the number of beneficiary countries that have ratified the ATT and to the development of their arms transfer control capacities. Such assessment of the arms transfer control capacities of the beneficiary countries should, in particular, cover the preparation and issuance of national relevant regulations, the fulfilment of ATT reporting obligations, and the empowerment of a relevant body in charge of arms transfer control.

9.   Reporting

The implementing entities will prepare regular reports, including after the completion of each of the activities. The reports should be submitted to the High Representative no later than six weeks after the completion of relevant activities.

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(1)  See Decision 2009/1012/CFSP; Decision 2010/336/CFSP; Decision 2012/711/CFSP; Decision 2013/43/CFSP and Decision 2013/768/CFSP.

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| 30.5.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 139/49 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

30.5.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 139/49

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COUNCIL IMPLEMENTING DECISION (CFSP) 2017/916

of 29 May 2017

implementing Decision 2013/798/CFSP concerning restrictive measures against the Central African Republic

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 31(2) thereof,

Having regard to Council Decision 2013/798/CFSP of 23 December 2013 concerning restrictive measures against the Central African Republic (1), and in particular Article 2c thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,

Whereas:

| (1) | On 23 December 2013, the Council adopted Decision 2013/798/CFSP. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

On 23 December 2013, the Council adopted Decision 2013/798/CFSP.

| (2) | On 12 January 2017, the United Nations Security Council Committee, established pursuant to United Nations Security Council Resolution 2127 (2013), updated the information relating to ten persons and two entities subject to restrictive measures. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

On 12 January 2017, the United Nations Security Council Committee, established pursuant to United Nations Security Council Resolution 2127 (2013), updated the information relating to ten persons and two entities subject to restrictive measures.

| (3) | The Annex to Decision 2013/798/CFSP should therefore be amended accordingly, |
| --- | --- |

(3)

The Annex to Decision 2013/798/CFSP should therefore be amended accordingly,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

The Annex to Decision 2013/798/CFSP is amended as set out in the Annex to this Decision.

Article 2

This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Done at Brussels, 29 May 2017.

For the Council

The President

C. CARDONA

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(1)  
  OJ L 352, 24.12.2013, p. 51.

1

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ANNEX

The entries concerning the persons and entities listed below are replaced by the following entries:

‘A.   Persons

1.   François Yangouvonda BOZIZÉ (alias: a) Bozize Yangouvonda)

Date of Birth: 14 October 1946.

Place of Birth: Mouila, Gabon.

Nationality: Central African Republic.

Address: Uganda.

Date of UN designation: 9 May 2014.

Other information: Mother's name is Martine Kofio. INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice web link: https://www.interpol.int/en/notice/search/un/5802796

Information from the narrative summary of reasons for listing provided by the Sanctions Committee:

Bozize was listed on 9 May 2014 pursuant to paragraph 36 of Resolution 2134 (2014) as ‘engaging in or providing support for acts that undermine the peace, stability or security of CAR’.

Additional information

In liaison with his supporters, Bozize encouraged the attack of 5 December 2013 on Bangui. Since then, he has continued trying to run destabilization operations in order to maintain tensions in the capital of CAR. Bozize reportedly created the anti-Balaka militia group before he fled the CAR on March 24, 2013. In a communique, Bozize called on his militia to pursue the atrocities against the current regime and the Islamists. Bozize reportedly provided financial and material support to militiamen who are working to destabilize the ongoing transition and to bring Bozize back to power. The bulk of the anti-Balaka are from the Central African Armed Forces who dispersed into the countryside after the coup d'état and were subsequently reorganized by Bozize. Bozize and his supporters control more than half the anti-Balaka units.

Forces loyal to Bozize were armed with assault rifles, mortars and rocket-launchers and they have become increasingly involved in reprisal attacks against CAR's Muslim population. The situation in CAR deteriorated rapidly after the December 5, 2013 attack in Bangui by anti-Balaka forces that left over 700 people dead.

2.   Nourredine ADAM (alias: a) Nureldine Adam; b) Nourreldine Adam; c) Nourreddine Adam; d) Mahamat Nouradine Adam)

Designation: a) Director General of the ‘Extraordinary Committee for the Defence of Democratic Achievements’; b) Minister for Security; c) General.

Date of birth: a) 1970 b) 1969 c) 1971 d) 1 January 1970.

Place of birth: Ndele, Central African Republic.

Nationality: Central African Republic. Passport no.: D00001184

Address: Birao, Central African Republic.

Date of UN designation: 9 May 2014

Other information: INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice web link: https://www.interpol.int/en/notice/search/un/5802798

Information from the narrative summary of reasons for listing provided by the Sanctions Committee:

Nourredine was listed on 9 May 2014 pursuant to paragraph 36 of Resolution 2134 (2014) as ‘engaging in or providing support for acts that undermine the peace, stability or security of CAR’.

Additional information

Noureddine is one of the original leaders of the Seleka. He has been identified as both a General and the President of one of the armed rebel groups of the Seleka, the Central PJCC, a group formally known as the Convention of Patriots for Justice and Peace and whose acronym is also acknowledged as CPJP. As former head of the ‘Fundamental’ splinter group of the Convention of Patriots for Justice and Peace (CPJP/F), he was the military coordinator of the ex-Séléka during offensives in the former rebellion in the Central African Republic between early December 2012 and March 2013. Without Noureddine's assistance and close relationship with Chadian Special Forces, the Seleka would likely have been unable to wrest power from former CAR President Francois Bozize.

Since the appointment as interim president of Catherine Samba-Panza on 20 January 2014, he was one of the main architects of the ex-Séléka's tactical withdrawal in Sibut with the aim of implementing his plan to create a Muslim stronghold in the north of the country. He had clearly urged his forces to resist the injunctions of the transitional government and of the military leaders of the African-led International Support Mission in the Central African Republic (MISCA). Noureddine actively directs ex-Seleka, the former Seleka forces that were reportedly dissolved by Djotodia in September 2013, and directs operations against Christian neighborhoods and continues to provide significant support and direction to the ex-Seleka operating in CAR.

Nourredine was also listed on 9 May 2014 pursuant to paragraph 37(b) of Resolution 2134 (2014) as ‘involved in planning, directing, or committing acts that violate international human rights law or international humanitarian law, as applicable’.

After the Séléka took control of Bangui on 24 March 2013, Nourredine Adam was appointed Minister for Security, then Director General of the ‘Extraordinary Committee for the Defence of Democratic Achievements’ (Comité extraordinaire de défense des acquis démocratiques- CEDAD, a now-defunct CAR intelligence service). Nourredine Adam used the CEDAD as his personal political police, carrying out many arbitrary arrests, acts of torture and summary executions. In addition, Noureddine was one of the key figures behind the bloody operation in Boy Rabe. In August 2013, Seleka forces stormed Boy Rabe, a CAR neighborhood regarded as a bastion of Francois Bozize supporters and his ethnic group. Under the pretext of looking for arms caches, Seleka troops reportedly killed scores of civilians and went on a rampage of looting. When these raids spread to other quarters, thousands of residents invaded the international airport, which was perceived as a safe place because of the presence of French troops, and occupied its runway.

Nourredine was also listed on 9 May 2014 pursuant to paragraph 37(d) of Resolution 2134 (2014) as ‘providing support for armed groups or criminal networks through illegal exploitation of natural resources’.

In early 2013, Nourredine Adam played an important role in the ex-Séléka's financing networks. He travelled to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates to collect funds for the former rebellion. He also operated as a facilitator for a Chadian diamond-trafficking ring operating between the Central African Republic and Chad.

4.   Alfred YEKATOM (alias: a) Alfred Yekatom Saragba b) Alfred Ekatom c) Alfred Saragba d) Colonel Rombhot e) Colonel Rambo f) Colonel Rambot g) Colonel Rombot h) Colonel Romboh)

Designation: Chief Corporal of the Forces Armées Centrafricaines (FACA)

Date of birth: 23 June 1976

Place of birth: Central African Republic

Nationality: Central African Republic

Address: a) Mbaiki, Lobaye Province, Central African Republic (Tel. +236 72 15 47 07/+236 75 09 43 41) b) Bimbo, Ombella-Mpoko province, Central African Republic (previous location)

Date of UN designation: 20 Aug. 2015

Other information: Has controlled and commanded a large group of armed militia men. Father's name (adoptive father) is Ekatom Saragba (also spelled Yekatom Saragba). Brother of Yves Saragba, an anti-Balaka commander in Batalimo, Lobaye province, and a former FACA soldier. Physical description: eye colour: black; hair colour: bold; complexion: black; height: 170cm; weight 100kg. Photo available for inclusion in the INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice. INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice web link: https://www.interpol.int/en/notice/search/un/5891143

Information from the narrative summary of reasons for listing provided by the Sanctions Committee:

Alfred Yekatom was listed on 20 August 2015 pursuant to paragraph 11 of Resolution 2196 (2015) as ‘engaging in or providing support for acts that undermine the peace, stability or security of the CAR, including acts that threaten or violate transitional agreements, or that threaten or impede the political transition process, including a transition toward free and fair democratic elections, or that fuel violence’.

Additional information:

Alfred Yekatom, also known as Colonel Rombhot, is a militia leader of a faction of the anti-Balakas movement, known as the ‘anti-Balaka from the South’. He has held the rank of Chief Corporal in the Forces Armées Centrafricaines (FACA — Central African Republic armed forces).

Yekatom has engaged in and provided support for acts that undermine the peace, stability and security of the Central African Republic, including acts that threaten transitional agreements, and that threaten the political transition process. Yekatom has controlled and commanded a large group of armed militiamen with presence in the neighbourhood of PK9 in Bangui, and in the towns of Bimbo (Ombella-Mpoko province), Cekia, Pissa, and Mbaïki (capital of the Lobaye province), and had established his head-quarters in a forestry concession in Batalimo.

Yekatom has been in direct control of a dozen checkpoints manned by an average of ten armed militia men wearing army uniforms and carrying weapons, including military assault rifles, from the main bridge between Bimbo and Bangui to Mbaïki (Lobaye province), and from Pissa to Batalimo (next to the border with the Republic of Congo), collecting unauthorized taxes from private vehicles and motorcycles, passenger vans and trucks exporting forestry resources to Cameroon and Chad, but also from boats navigating on the Oubangui river. Yekatom has been observed personally collecting part of these unauthorized taxes. Yekatom and his militia have also reportedly killed civilians.

5.   Habib SOUSSOU (alias: Soussou Abib)

Designation: a) Coordinator of anti-Balaka for Lobaye province b) Corporal of the Central African Armed Forces (FACA)

Date of birth: 13 Mar. 1980

Place of birth: Boda, Central African Republic

Nationality: Central African Republic

Address: Boda, Central African Republic (Tel. +236 72198628)

Date of UN designation: 20 Aug. 2015

Other information: Appointed as zone commander (COMZONE) of Boda on 11 April 2014 and on 28 June 2014, for the entire Lobaye Province. Under his command, targeted killings, clashes and attacks against humanitarian organizations and aid workers have continued to take place. Physical description: eye colour: brown; hair colour: black; height: 160cm; weight: 60kg. Photo available for inclusion in the INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice. INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice web link: https://www.interpol.int/en/notice/search/un/5891199

Information from the narrative summary of reasons for listing provided by the Sanctions Committee:

Habib Soussou was listed on 20 August 2015 pursuant to paragraphs 11 and 12 (b) and (e) of Resolution 2196 (2015) as ‘engaging in or providing support for acts that undermine the peace, stability or security of the CAR, including acts that threaten or violate transitional agreements, or that threaten or impede the political transition process, including a transition toward free and fair democratic elections, or that fuel violence’; ‘involved in planning, directing, or committing acts that violate international human rights law or international humanitarian law, as applicable, or that constitute human rights abuses or violations, in the CAR, including acts involving sexual violence, targeting of civilians, ethnic- or religious-based attacks, attacks on schools and hospitals, and abduction and forced displacement’ and; ‘obstructing the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the CAR, or access to, or distribution of, humanitarian assistance in the CAR’.

Additional information:

Habib Soussou was appointed as anti-Balaka zone commander (COMZONE) of Boda on 11 April 2014, and he has claimed that he was therefore responsible for the security situation in the sous- préfecture. On 28 June 2014, general coordinator of the anti-Balaka Patrice Edouard Ngaïssona appointed Habib Soussou as provincial coordinator for the town of Boda since 11 April 2014 and since 28 June 2014 for the entire province of Lobaye. Targeted killings, clashes and attacks by anti-Balaka in Boda against humanitarian organizations and aid workers have occurred on a weekly basis in areas for which Soussou is the anti-Balaka commander or coordinator. Soussous and the anti-Balaka forces in these areas have also targeted and threatened to target civilians.

6.   Oumar YOUNOUS ABDOULAY (alias: (a) Oumar Younous; (b) Omar Younous; (c) Oumar Sodiam; (d) Oumar Younous M'Betibangui).

Designation: Former Séléka general.

Date of birth: 2 April 1970.

Nationality: Sudan, CAR diplomatic passport No D00000898, issued on 11 April 2013 (valid until 10 April 2018).

Address: (a) Bria, Central African Republic (Tel. +236 75507560); (b) Birao, Central African Republic; (c) Tullus, southern Darfur, Sudan (previous location).

Date of UN designation: 20 Aug. 2015

Other information: is a diamond smuggler and a three-star general of the Séléka and close confident of former CAR interim president Michel Djotodia. Physical description: hair colour: black; height: 180 cm; belongs to the Fulani ethnic group. Photo available for inclusion in the Interpol-UN Security Council Special Notice. Reportedly deceased as at 11 October 2015 INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice web link: https://www.interpol.int/en/notice/search/un/5903116

Information from the narrative summary of reasons for listing provided by the Sanctions Committee:

Oumar Younous was listed on 20 August 2015 pursuant to paragraphs 11 and 12(d) of Resolution 2196 (2015) as ‘engaging in or providing support for acts that undermine the peace, stability or security of the CAR, including acts that threaten or violate transitional agreements, or that threaten or impede the political transition process, including a transition toward free and fair democratic elections, or that fuel violence’; and ‘providing support for armed groups or criminal networks through the illicit exploitation or trade of natural resources, including diamonds, gold, and wildlife as well as wildlife products, in the CAR’.

Additional information:

Oumar Younous, as a general of the former Séléka and a diamond smuggler, has provided support to an armed group through the illicit exploitation and trade of natural resources, including diamonds, in the Central African Republic.

In October 2008, Oumar Younous, a former driver for the diamond buying house Sodiam, joined the rebel group Mouvement des Libérateurs Centrafricains pour la Justice (MLCJ). In December 2013, Oumar Younous was identified as being a three-star general of the Séléka and close confidant of interim president Michel Djotodia.

Younous is involved in the diamond trade from Bria and Sam Ouandja to Sudan. Sources have reported that Oumar Younous has been engaged in collecting diamond parcels hidden in Bria, and taking them to Sudan for sale.

7.   Haroun GAYE (alias: (a) Haroun Geye; (b) Aroun Gaye; (c) Aroun Geye).

Designation: Rapporteur of the political coordination of the Front Populaire pour la Renaissance de Centrafrique (FPRC).

Date of birth: (a) 30 January 1968; (b) 30 January 1969.

Passport No: Central African Republic number O00065772 (letter O followed by 3 zeros), expires 30 December 2019.

Address: Bangui, Central African Republic.

Date of UN designation: 17 December 2015.

Other information: Gaye is a leader of the Front Populaire pour la Renaissance de Centrafrique (FPRC) (not listed) a marginalized ex-Seleka armed group in Bangui. He is also a leader of the so-called ‘Defense Committee’ of Bangui's PK5 (known as ‘PK5 Resistance’ or ‘Texas’) (not listed), which extorts money from residents and threatens and employs physical violence. Gaye was appointed on 2 November 2014 by Nourredine Adam (CFi.002) as rapporteur of the political coordination of the FPRC. On 9 May 2014, the Security Council Committee established by Resolution 2127 (2013) on CAR included Adam on its sanctions list. Photo available for inclusion in the INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice. INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice web link: https://www.interpol.int/en/notice/search/un/5915753

Information from the narrative summary of reasons for listing provided by the Sanctions Committee:

Haroun Gaye was listed on 17 December 2015 pursuant to paragraphs 11 and 12(b) and (f) of Resolution 2196 (2015) as ‘engaging in or providing support for acts that undermine the peace, stability or security of the CAR’; ‘involved in planning, directing, or committing acts that violate international human rights law or international humanitarian law, as applicable, or that constitute human rights abuses or violations, in the CAR, including acts involving sexual violence, targeting of civilians, ethnic- or religious-based attacks, attacks on schools and hospitals, and abduction and forced displacement’; and ‘involved in planning, directing, sponsoring, or conducting attacks against UN missions or international security presences, including Minusca, the European Union missions and French operations which support them’.

Additional information:

Haroun Gaye has been, since early 2014, one of the leaders of an armed group operating in the PK5 neighbourhood in Bangui. Civil Society representatives of the PK5 neighbourhood state that Gaye and his armed group are fuelling the conflict in Bangui, opposing the reconciliation and preventing movements of population to and from the third district of Bangui. On 11 May 2015, Gaye and 300 demonstrators blocked access to the National Transitional Council to disrupt the final day of the Bangui Forum. Gaye is reported to have collaborated with anti-Balaka officials to coordinate the disruption.

On 26 June 2015, Gaye and a small entourage disrupted the opening of a voter registration drive in Bangui's PK5 neighbourhood, causing the registration drive to close.

Minusca attempted to arrest Gaye on 2 August 2015, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 32(f)(i) of the Security Council Resolution 2217 (2015). Gaye, who was reportedly informed of the arrest attempt in advance, was ready with supporters armed with heavy weaponry. Gaye's forces opened fire on the Minusca Joint Task Force. In a seven-hour firefight, Gaye's men employed firearms, and rocket-propelled and hand grenades against Minusca troops and killed one peacekeeper and injured eight. Gaye was involved in encouraging violent protests and clashes in late September 2015 in what appears to have been a coup attempt to overthrow the Transitional Government. The coup attempt was likely led by former president Bozize's supporters in an alliance of convenience with Gaye and other FPRC leaders. It appears that Gaye aimed to create a cycle of retaliatory attacks that would threaten the upcoming elections. Gaye was in charge of coordination with marginalised elements of the anti-Balaka.

On 1 October 2015, a meeting took place in the PK5 neighbourhood between Eugène Barret Ngaïkosset, a member of a marginalised anti-Balaka group and Gaye, with the aim of planning a joint attack on Bangui on Saturday 3 October. Gaye's group prevented people inside the PK5 neighbourhood from leaving it, in order to reinforce the communal identity of the Muslim population to exacerbate inter-ethnic tensions and avoid reconciliation. On 26 October 2015, Gaye and his group interrupted a meeting between the Archbishop of Bangui and the Imam of the Central Mosque of Bangui, and threatened the delegation which had to retreat from the Central Mosque and flee the PK5 neighbourhood.

8.   Eugène BARRET NGAÏKOSSET (alias: (a) Eugene Ngaikosset; (b) Eugene Ngaikoisset; (c) Eugene Ngakosset; (d) Eugene Barret Ngaikosse; (e) Eugene Ngaikouesset; (f) ‘The Butcher of Paoua’; (g) Ngakosset)

Designation: (a) Former Captain, CAR Presidential Guard; (b) Former Captain, CAR Naval Forces.

National identification No: Central African Republic armed forces (FACA) military identification number 911-10-77.

Address: (a) Bangui, Central African Republic.

Date of UN designation: 17 December 2015.

Other information: Captain Eugène Barret Ngaïkosset is a former member of former President François Bozizé's presidential guard and associated with the anti-Balaka movement. He escaped from jail on 17 May 2015 following his extradition from Brazzaville and created his own anti-Balaka faction including former FACA fighters.

Information from the narrative summary of reasons for listing provided by the Sanctions Committee:

Eugène Barret Ngaïkosset was listed on 17 December 2015 pursuant to paragraphs 11 and 12(b) and (f) of Resolution 2196 (2015) as ‘engaging in or providing support for acts that undermine the peace, stability or security of the CAR’; ‘involved in planning, directing, or committing acts that violate international human rights law or international humanitarian law, as applicable, or that constitute human rights abuses or violations, in the CAR, including acts involving sexual violence, targeting of civilians, ethnic- or religious-based attacks, attacks on schools and hospitals, and abduction and forced displacement’; and ‘involved in planning, directing, sponsoring, or conducting attacks against UN missions or international security presences, including Minusca, the European Union missions and French operations which support them’.

Additional information:

Ngaïkosset is one of the main perpetrators of the violence which erupted in Bangui in late September 2015. Ngaïkosset and other anti-Balaka worked together with marginalised members of ex-Séléka in an effort to destabilise the CAR Transitional Government. On the night of 27-28 September 2015, Ngaïkosset and others made an unsuccessful attempt to storm the ‘Izamo’ gendarmerie camp in order to steal weapons and ammunition. On 28 September, the group surrounded the offices of CAR national radio.

On 1 October 2015, a meeting took place in the PK5 neighbourhood between Ngaïkosset and Haroun Gaye, a leader of the Front Populaire pour la Renaissance de Centrafrique (FPRC), with the aim of planning a joint attack on Bangui on Saturday 3 October.

On 8 October, 2015, the CAR Justice Minister announced plans to investigate Ngaïkosset and other individuals for their roles in the September 2015 violence in Bangui. Ngaikosset and the others were named as being involved in ‘egregious behaviour constituting a breach of the internal security of the state, conspiracy, incitement to civil war, civil disobedience, hatred and complicity’. CAR legal authorities were instructed to open an investigation to search for and arrest the perpetrators and accomplices.

On 11 October 2015, Ngaïkosset is believed to have asked anti-Balaka militia under his command to carry out kidnappings, with a particular focus on French nationals, but also CAR political figures and UN officials, with the aim of forcing the departure of the transitional President, Catherine Samba-Panza.

9.   Joseph KONY (alias: a) Kony b) Joseph Rao Kony c) Josef Kony d) Le Messie sanglant)

Designation: Commander of the Lord's Resistance Army

Date of birth: a) 1959 b) 1960 c) 1961 d) 1963 e) 18 Sep. 1964 f) 1965 g) (Aug. 1961) h) (Jul. 1961) i) 1 Jan. 1961 j) (Apr. 1963)

Place of birth: a) Palaro Village, Palaro Parish, Omoro County, Gulu District, Uganda b) Odek, Omoro, Gulu, Uganda c) Atyak, Uganda

Nationality: Uganda Passport

Address: a) Vakaga, Central African Republic b) Haute-Kotto, Central African Republic c) Basse-Kotto, Central African Republic d) Haut-Mbomou, Central African Republic e) Mbomou, Central African Republic f) Haut-Uolo, Democratic Republic of the Congo g) Bas-Uolo, Democratic Republic of the Congo h) (Reported address: Kafia Kingi (a territory on the border of Sudan and South Sudan whose final status has yet to be determined). As of January 2015, 500 Lord's Resistance Army elements were reportedly expelled from the Sudan.)

Date of UN designation: 7 March 2016.

Other information: Kony is the founder and leader of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) (CFe.002). Under his leadership, the LRA has engaged in the abduction, killing, and mutilation of thousands of civilians across Central Africa. The LRA has been responsible for kidnapping, displacing, committing sexual violence against, and killing hundreds of individuals across CAR, and has looted and destroyed civilian property. Father's name is Luizi Obol. Mother's name is Nora Obol.

INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice web link: https://www.interpol.int/en/notice/search/un/5932340

Information from the narrative summary of reasons for listing provided by the Sanctions Committee:

Joseph Kony was listed on 7 March 2016 pursuant to paragraphs 12 and 13 (b), (c), and (d) of Resolution 2262 (2016) as ‘engaging in or providing support for acts that undermine the peace, stability or security of the CAR;’
  ‘involved in planning, directing, or committing acts that violate international human rights law or international humanitarian law, as applicable, or that constitute human rights abuses or violations, in the CAR, including acts involving sexual violence, targeting of civilians, ethnic- or religious-based attacks, attacks on schools and hospitals, and abduction and forced displacement’; ‘recruiting or using children in armed conflict in the CAR, in violation of applicable international law’; and ‘providing support for armed groups or criminal networks through the illicit exploitation or trade of natural resources, including diamonds, gold, and wildlife products in or from the CAR’.

Additional information:

Kony founded the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) and has been described as the group's founder, religious leader, chairman, and commander-in-chief. Emerging in northern Uganda in the 1980s, the LRA engaged in the abduction, killing, and mutilation of thousands of civilians across central Africa. Under increasing military pressure, Kony ordered the LRA to withdraw from Uganda in 2005 and 2006. Since then, the LRA has been operating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), CAR, South Sudan and reportedly Sudan.

Kony, as the leader of the LRA, devises and implements LRA strategy, including standing orders to attack and brutalize civilian populations. Since December 2013, the LRA under the leadership of Joseph Kony has kidnapped, displaced, committed sexual violence against, and killed hundreds of individuals across CAR, and has looted and destroyed civilian property. Concentrated in eastern CAR and reportedly in Kafia Kingi, a territory on the border of Sudan and South Sudan whose final status has yet to be determined but militarily controlled by the former, the LRA raids villages to pillage food and supplies. The fighters set ambushes to attack security forces and steal their equipment when they respond to LRA attacks, and LRA fighters also target and loot villages that do not have a military presence. The LRA has also intensified attacks on diamond and gold mining sites.

Kony is subject to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court. The ICC has charged him with twelve counts of crimes against humanity including murder, enslavement, sexual enslavement, rape, inhumane acts of inflicting serious bodily injury and suffering, and twenty-one counts of war crimes including murder, cruel treatment of civilians, intentionally directing an attack against a civilian population, pillaging, inducing rape, and enlisting, through abduction, of children under the age of 15 years.

Kony has issued standing orders for rebel fighters to loot diamonds and gold from artisanal miners in eastern Central African Republic. Reportedly, some of the minerals are then transported by Kony's group to Sudan, or traded with local civilians and members of the former Séléka.

Kony has also instructed his fighters to poach elephants in the Garamba National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, from where elephant tusks are reportedly transported through the east of the Central African Republic to Sudan, where senior LRA officials reportedly sell and trade with Sudanese merchants and local officials. The trade of ivory represents a significant source of income for Kony's group. As of January 2015, 500 Lord's Resistance Army elements were reportedly expelled from the Sudan.

10.   Ali KONY (alias: a) Ali Lalobo b) Ali Mohammad Labolo c) Ali Mohammed d) Ali Mohammed Lalobo e) Ali Mohammed Kony f) Ali Mohammed Labola g) Ali Mohammed Salongo h) Ali Bashir Lalobo i) Ali Lalobo Bashir j) Otim Kapere k) ‘Bashir’ l) ‘Caesar’ m) ‘One-P’ n) ‘1-P’

Designation: Deputy, Lord's Resistance Army

Date of birth: a) 1994 b) 1993 c) 1995 d) 1992

Address: Kafia Kingi (a territory on the border of Sudan and South Sudan whose final status has yet to be determined).

Date of UN designation: 23 August 2016.

Other information: Ali Kony is a deputy in the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), a designated entity and the son of LRA leader Joseph Kony, a designated individual. Ali was incorporated into the LRA's leadership hierarchy in 2010. He is part of a group of senior LRA officers who are based with Joseph Kony. INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice web link: https://www.interpol.int/en/notice/search/un/5971056

Information from the narrative summary of reasons for listing provided by the Sanctions Committee:

Ali Kony was listed on 23 August 2016 pursuant to paragraphs 12 and 13 (d) and (g) of Resolution 2262 (2016) as ‘engaging in or providing support for acts that undermine the peace, stability or security of the CAR’; ‘providing support for armed groups or criminal networks through the illicit exploitation or trade of natural resources, including diamonds, gold, wildlife as well as wildlife products in or from the CAR’; ‘Being leaders of an entity that the Committee has designated pursuant to paragraphs 36 or 37 of Resolution 2134 (2014) or Resolution 2262 (2016)or having provided support to, or acted for or on behalf of, or at the direction of, an individual or an entity that the Committee has designated pursuant to paragraphs 36 or 37 of Resolution 2134 (2014) or Resolution 2262 (2016), or an entity owned or controlled by a designated individual or entity’.

Ali Kony is seen as a potential successor to Joseph Kony as leader of the LRA. Ali is increasingly involved in LRA operational planning and is seen as a gateway to Joseph Kony. Ali is also an LRA intelligence officer with command of up to 10 subordinates.

Ali and his brother Salim Kony have both been responsible for enforcing discipline within the LRA. Both brothers are acknowledged to be part of Joseph Kony's leadership inner-circle, responsible for the execution of Kony's orders. The two have made disciplinary decisions to punish or kill LRA members who have disobeyed LRA rules. Based on orders from Joseph Kony, Salim and Ali are involved in trafficking ivory from northern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)'s Garamba National Park through the Central African Republic (CAR) to the disputed region of Kafia Kingi for sale or trade with local merchants.

Ali Kony is responsible for negotiating ivory prices and bartering the ivory with the merchants. Ali meets once or twice a month with merchants to negotiate the price of the LRA's ivory in U.S. dollars or Sudanese pounds, or to trade for weapons, ammunition, and food. Joseph Kony has ordered Ali to use the largest tusks to purchase anti-personnel mines to surround Kony's camp. In July 2014, Ali Kony oversaw the operation to move 52 pieces of ivory for delivery to Joseph Kony and ultimate sale.

In April 2015, Salim departed Kafia Kingi to retrieve a shipment of tusks. In May, Salim participated in the transport of 20 pieces of ivory from DRC to Kafia Kingi. Around the same time, Ali met with the merchants to purchase supplies and to plan a future meeting to conduct additional transactions and to agree to terms of purchase on the LRA's behalf for what is assessed to be the ivory that Salim was escorting.

11.   Salim KONY (alias: a) Salim Saleh Kony b) Salim Saleh c) Salim Ogaro d) Okolu Salim e) Salim Saleh Obol Ogaro f) Simon Salim Obol)

Designation: Deputy, Lord's Resistance Army

Date of Birth: a) 1992 b) 1991 c) 1993

Address: a) Kafia Kingi (a territory on the border of Sudan and South Sudan whose final status has yet to be determined) b) Central African Republic

Date of UN designation: 23 August 2016

Other information: Salim Kony is a deputy in the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), a designated entity and the son of LRA leader Joseph Kony, a designated individual. Salim was incorporated into the LRA's leadership hierarchy in 2010. He is part of a group of senior LRA officers who are based with Joseph Kony. INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice web link: https://www.interpol.int/en/notice/search/un/5971058

Information from the narrative summary of reasons for listing provided by the Sanctions Committee:

Salim Kony was listed on 23 August 2016 pursuant to paragraphs 12 and 13 (d) and (g) of Resolution 2262 (2016) as ‘engaging in or providing support for acts that undermine the peace, stability or security of the CAR’; ‘providing support for armed groups or criminal networks through the illicit exploitation or trade of natural resources, including diamonds, gold, wildlife as well as wildlife products in or from the CAR’; ‘Being leaders of an entity that the Committee has designated pursuant to paragraphs 36 or 37 of Resolution 2134 (2014) or Resolution 2262 (2016), or having provided support to, or acted for or on behalf of, or at the direction of, an individual or an entity that the Committee has designated pursuant to paragraphs 36 or 37 of Resolution 2134 (2014) or Resolution 2262 (2016), or an entity owned or controlled by a designated individual or entity’.

Salim Kony is the head commander of the LRA's ‘field headquarters’ and has jointly planned LRA attacks and defensive measures with Joseph Kony since an early age. Previously, Salim led the group which provides security for Joseph Kony. More recently, Joseph Kony has entrusted Salim with managing the LRA's financial and logistical networks.

Salim and his brother Ali Kony have both been responsible for enforcing discipline within the LRA. Both brothers are acknowledged as members of Joseph Kony's leadership inner-circle, who are responsible for executing Joseph Kony's orders. The two have made disciplinary decisions to punish or kill LRA members who have disobeyed LRA rules. Salim is reported to have killed LRA members who intended to defect, and has reported LRA group and member activities to Joseph Kony.

Based on orders from Joseph Kony, Salim and Ali are involved with the trafficking of ivory from northern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)'s Garamba National Park through the Central African Republic (CAR) to the disputed region of Kafia Kingi for sale or trade with local merchants.

Salim often deploys to the CAR border with approximately a dozen fighters to meet and escort other LRA groups carrying ivory north from Garamba. In April 2015, Salim departed Kafia Kingi to retrieve a shipment of tusks. In May, Salim participated in the transport of twenty pieces of ivory from DRC to Kafia Kingi.

Previously, in June 2014, Salim crossed into the DRC with a group of LRA fighters to poach elephants in Garamba. Joseph Kony had also tasked Salim with escorting two LRA commanders to Garamba to uncover caches of ivory that had been hidden there years earlier. In July 2014, Salim met with a second LRA group to transport the ivory, 52 pieces in all, to Kafia Kingi. Salim was responsible for maintaining ivory accountability to Joseph Kony and for passing information about ivory transactions to LRA groups.

B.   Entities

1.   BUREAU D'ACHAT DE DIAMANT EN CENTRAFRIQUE/KARDIAM (alias: a) BADICA/KRDIAM b) KARDIAM)

Address: a) BP 333, Bangui, Central African Republic (Tel. +32 3 2310521, Fax. +32 3 2331839, email: kardiam.bvba@skynet.be, website: www.groupeabdoulkarim.com) b) Antwerp, Belgium

Date of UN designation: 20 Aug. 2015

Other Information: Headed by Abdoul-Karim Dan-Azoumi, since 12 December 1986 and by Aboubakar Mahamat, since 1 January 2005. Branches include MINAiR, and SOFIA TP (Douala, Cameroon).

INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice web link: https://www.interpol.int/en/notice/search/une/5891200

Information from the narrative summary of reasons for listing provided by the Sanctions Committee:

The Bureau d'achat de Diamant en Centrafrique/KARDIAM was listed on 20 August 2015 pursuant to paragraph 12 (d) of Resolution 2196 (2015) as ‘providing support for armed groups or criminal networks through the illicit exploitation or trade of natural resources, including diamonds, gold, as well as wildlife and wildlife products, in the CAR’

Additional information:

BADICA/KARDIAM has provided support for armed groups in the Central African Republic, namely former Séléka and anti-Balaka, through the illicit exploitation and trade of natural resources, including diamonds and gold.

The Bureau d'Achat de Diamant en Centrafrique (BADICA) continued in 2014 to purchase diamonds from Bria and Sam-Ouandja (Haute Kotto province) in the east of the Central African Republic, where former Séléka forces impose taxes on aircraft transporting diamonds and receive security payments from diamond collectors. Several of BADICA's supplying collectors in Bria and Sam-Ouandja are closely associated with former Séléka commanders.

In May 2014, Belgian authorities seized two diamond parcels sent to BADICA's representation in Antwerp, which is officially registered in Belgium as KARDIAM. Diamond experts assessed that the diamonds seized have a high probability to be of Central African origin, and that they display characteristics typical of Sam-Ouandja and Bria, as well as Nola (Sangha Mbaéré province), in the south west of the country.

Traders who were purchasing diamonds illegally trafficked from Central African Republic to foreign markets, including from the western part of the country, have operated in Cameroon on behalf of BADICA.

In May 2014, BADICA also exported gold produced in Yaloké (Ombella-Mpoko), where artisanal gold mines fell under control of Séléka until the beginning of February 2014, when anti-Balakagroups took over.

2.   LORD'S RESISTANCE ARMY (alias: a) LRA b) Lord's Resistance Movement (LRM) c) Lord's Resistance Movement/Army (LRM/A)

Address: a) Vakaga, Central African Republic b) Haute-Kotto, Central African Republic c) Basse-Kotto, Central African Republic d) Haut-Mbomou, Central African Republic e) Mbomou, Central African Republic f) HautUolo, Democratic Republic of the Congo g) Bas-Uolo, Democratic Republic of the Congo h) (Reported address: Kafia Kingi (a territory on the border of Sudan and South Sudan whose final status has yet to be determined). As of January 2015, 500 Lord's Resistance Army elements were reportedly expelled from the Sudan.)

Date of UN designation: 7 March 2016.

Other Information: Emerged in northern Uganda in the 1980s. Has engaged in the abduction, killing and mutilation of thousands of civilians in Central Africa, including hundreds in the Central African Republic. The leader is Joseph Kony. INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice web link: https://www.interpol.int/en/notice/search/une/5932344

Information from the narrative summary of reasons for listing provided by the Sanctions Committee:

The Lord's Resistance Army was listed on 7 March 2016 pursuant to paragraphs 12 and 13 (b), (c), and (d) of Resolution 2262 (2016) as ‘engaging in or providing support for acts that undermine the peace, stability or security of the CAR;’, ‘involved in planning, directing, or committing acts that violate international human rights law or international humanitarian law, as applicable, or that constitute human rights abuses or violations, in the CAR, including acts involving sexual violence, targeting of civilians, ethnic- or religious-based attacks, attacks on schools and hospitals, and abduction and forced displacement;’, ‘recruiting or using children in armed conflict in the CAR, in violation of applicable international law;’ and ‘providing support for armed groups or criminal networks through the illicit exploitation or trade of natural resources, including diamonds, gold, and wildlife products in or from the CAR’.

Additional information:

Emerging in northern Uganda in the 1980s, the LRA has engaged in the abduction, killing, and mutilation of thousands of civilians across central Africa. Under increasing military pressure, Joseph Kony, the LRA's leader, ordered the LRA to withdraw from Uganda in 2005 and 2006. Since then, the LRA has been operating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), CAR, South Sudan and reportedly Sudan.

Since December 2013, the LRA has kidnapped, displaced, committed sexual violence against, and killed hundreds of individuals across CAR, and has looted and destroyed civilian property. Concentrated in eastern CAR and reportedly in Kafia Kingi, a territory on the border of Sudan and South Sudan whose final status has yet to be determined but militarily controlled by the former, the LRA raids villages to pillage food and supplies. The fighters set ambushes to attack security forces and steal their equipment when they respond to LRA attacks, and LRA fighters also target and loot villages that do not have a military presence. The LRA has also intensified attacks on diamond and gold mining sites.

LRA cells are frequently accompanied by captives who are forced to work as porters, cooks, and sex slaves. The LRA engages in gender-based violence including rapes of women and young girls.

In December 2013, the LRA abducted dozens of people in Haute-Kotto. The LRA is reported to have been involved in the abductions of hundreds of civilians in CAR since the beginning of 2014.

LRA fighters attacked Obo, in eastern CAR's Haut-Mbomou Prefecture, on several occasions in early 2014.

The LRA continued to carry out attacks in Obo and other locations in southeastern CAR between May and July 2014, including apparently coordinated attacks and abductions in Mbomou Prefecture in early June.

Since at least 2014, the LRA has been involved in elephant poaching and elephant trafficking for revenue generation. The LRA reportedly traffics ivory from Garamba National Park in northern DRC to Darfur, to trade for weapons and supplies. The LRA reportedly transports poached elephant tusks through CAR into Darfur, Sudan to sell. Additionally, as of early 2014, Kony had reportedly ordered LRA fighters to loot diamonds and gold from miners in eastern CAR for transport to Sudan. As of January 2015, 500 Lord's Resistance Army elements were reportedly expelled from the Sudan.

In early February 2015, LRA fighters armed with heavy weapons abducted civilians in Kpangbayanga, Haut-Mbomou, and stole food items.

On April 20, 2015, an LRA attack and the abduction of children from Ndambissoua, southeastern CAR led most of the village residents to flee. And in early July 2015, the LRA attacked several villages in southern Haute-Kotto Prefecture; the attacks involved looting, violence against civilians, burning of houses, and kidnapping.

Since January 2016, attacks imputed to the LRA have multiplied in Mbomou, Haut-Mbomou and Haute-Kotto affecting in particular mining areas in Haute-Kotto. These attacks have involved looting, violence against civilians, destruction of property and abductions. They have led to displacements of the population, including around 700 people who have sought refuge in Bria.’

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| 30.5.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 139/62 |
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30.5.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 139/62

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COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2017/917

of 29 May 2017

amending Decision 2013/255/CFSP concerning restrictive measures against Syria

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 29 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,

Whereas:

| (1) | On 31 May 2013, the Council adopted Decision 2013/255/CFSP concerning restrictive measures against Syria (1). |
| --- | --- |

(1)

On 31 May 2013, the Council adopted Decision 2013/255/CFSP concerning restrictive measures against Syria (1).

| (2) | On 27 May 2016, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2016/850 (2), extending the restrictive measures set out in Decision 2013/255/CFSP until 1 June 2017. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

On 27 May 2016, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2016/850 (2), extending the restrictive measures set out in Decision 2013/255/CFSP until 1 June 2017.

| (3) | On the basis of a review of Decision 2013/255/CFSP, the restrictive measures should be further extended until 1 June 2018. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

On the basis of a review of Decision 2013/255/CFSP, the restrictive measures should be further extended until 1 June 2018.

| (4) | The entries for certain persons, entities and bodies subject to restrictive measures as set out in Annex I to Decision 2013/255/CFSP should be updated and amended. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

The entries for certain persons, entities and bodies subject to restrictive measures as set out in Annex I to Decision 2013/255/CFSP should be updated and amended.

| (5) | Decision 2013/255/CFSP and Annex I to Decision 2013/255/CFSP should therefore be amended accordingly, |
| --- | --- |

(5)

Decision 2013/255/CFSP and Annex I to Decision 2013/255/CFSP should therefore be amended accordingly,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

Article 34 of Decision 2013/255/CFSP is replaced by the following:

‘Article 34

This Decision shall apply until 1 June 2018. It shall be kept under constant review. It may be renewed, or amended as appropriate, if the Council deems that its objectives have not been met.’.

Article 2

Annex I to Decision 2013/255/CFSP shall be amended in accordance with the Annex to this Decision.

Article 3

This Decision shall enter into force on the day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Done at Brussels, 29 May 2017.

For the Council

The President

C. CARDONA

---

(1)  
  OJ L 147, 1.6.2013, p. 14.

1

(2)  Council Decision (CFSP) 2016/850 of 27 May 2016 amending Decision 2013/255/CFSP concerning restrictive measures against Syria (OJ L 141, 28.5.2016, p. 125).

2

---

ANNEX

Annex I to Decision 2013/255/CFSP is amended as follows:

| 1. | In Part A (‘Persons’), the following entries replace the entries concerning the persons listed below: | Name | Identifying information | Reasons | Date of listing |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| ‘13. | Munzir (



  ) (a.k.a. Mundhir, Monzer) Jamil Al-Assad (



  ) | Date of birth: 1 March 1961;
  Place of birth: Kerdaha, Latakia Province;
  Passports No 86449 and No 842781 | Involved in violence against the civilian population as part of the Shabiha militia. | 9.5.2011 |
| 37. | Brigadier-General Rafiq (



  ) (a.k.a. Rafeeq) Shahadah (



  ) (a.k.a. Shahada, Shahade, Shahadeh, Chahada, Chahade, Chahadeh, Chahada) | Place of birth: Jablah, Latakia Province | Former Head of Syrian Military Intelligence (SMI) Branch 293 (Internal Affairs) in Damascus. Directly involved in repression and violence against the civilian population in Damascus. Advisor to President Bashar Al-Assad for strategic questions and military intelligence. | 23.8.2011 |
| 53. | Adib (



  ) Mayaleh (



  ) (a.k.a. André Mayard) | Born: 15 May 1955;
  Place of birth: Bassir | Former Minister of Economy and Foreign Trade in power after May 2011 (appointed in July 2016). As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. Adib Mayaleh was also responsible for providing economic and financial support to the Syrian regime through his former functions as the Governor of the Central Bank of Syria. | 15.5.2012 |
| 59. | General Ghassan (



  ) Belal (



  ) | | General in command of the 4th Division reserve bureau. Adviser to Maher al-Assad and coordinator of security operations. Responsible for the crackdown on the civilian population across Syria and involved in several breaches of cessation of hostilities in the Ghouta. | 14.11.2011 |
| 66. | Kifah (



  ) Moulhem (



  ) (a.k.a. Moulhim, Mulhem, Mulhim) | | Former batallion Commander in the 4th Division. Appointed deputy head of the Military Intelligence Division in July 2015. Responsible for the crackdown on the civilian population in Deir ez-Zor. | 14.11.2011 |
| 106. | Dr Wael (



  ) Nader (



  ) Al –Halqi (



  ) (a.k.a. Al-Halki) | Born: 1964;
  Place of birth: Dara'a Province | Former Prime Minister, in office until 3 July 2016, and former Minister of Health. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 27.2.2012 |
| 109. | Imad (



  ) Mohammad (



  ) (a.k.a. Mohamed, Muhammad, Mohammed) Deeb Khamis (



  ) (a.k.a. Imad Mohammad Dib Khamees) | Date of birth: 1 August 1961;
  Place of birth: near Damascus | Prime Minister and former Minister of Electricity. As Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 23.3.2012 |
| 110. | Omar (



  ) Ibrahim (



  ) Ghalawanji (



  ) | Born: 1954;
  Place of birth: Tartous | Former Vice Prime Minister for Services Affairs, former Minister of Local Administration, in office until 3 July 2016. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 23.3.2012 |
| 117. | Adnan (



  ) Hassan (



  ) Mahmoud (



  ) | Born: 1966;
  Place of birth: Tartous | Syrian Ambassador to Iran. Former Minister of Information in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 23.9.2011 |
| 157. | Eng. Bassam (



  ) Hanna (



  ) | | Former Minister of Water Resources in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 16.10.2012 |
| 162. | Dr Mahmoud (



  ) Ibraheem (



  ) (a.k.a. Ibrahim) Sa'iid (



  ) (a.k.a. Said, Sa'eed, Saeed) | | Former Minister of Transport in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 16.10.2012 |
| 166. | Dr Lubana (



  ) (a.k.a. Lubanah) Mushaweh (



  ) (a.k.a. Mshaweh, Mshawweh, Mushawweh) | Born 1955;
  place of birth Damascus | Former Minister of Culture in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 16.10.2012 |
| 168. | Omran (



  ) Ahed (



  ) Al Zu'bi (



  ) (a.k.a. Al Zoubi, Al Zo'bi, Al Zou'bi) | Born 27 September 1959;
  Place of birth Damascus | Former Minister of Information in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 16.10.2012 |
| 170. | Najm (



  ) (a.k.a. Nejm) Hamad (



  ) Al Ahmad (



  ) (a.k.a. Al-Ahmed) | | Former Minister of Justice in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 16.10.2012 |
| 171. | Dr Abdul- Salam (








  ) Al Nayef (



  ) | | Former Minister of Health in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 16.10.2012 |
| 173. | Dr Nazeera (



  ) (a.k.a. Nazira, Nadheera, Nadhira) Farah (



  ) Sarkees (



  ) (a.k.a. Sarkis) | | Former State Minister for Environmental Affairs, in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 16.10.2012 |
| 176. | Abdullah (



  ) (a.k.a. Abdallah) Khaleel (



  ) (a.k.a. Khalil) Hussein (



  ) (a.k.a. Hussain) | | Former State Minister in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 16.10.2012 |
| 177. | Jamal (



  ) Sha'ban (



  ) (a.k.a. Shaaban) Shaheen (



  ) | | Former State Minister in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 16.10.2012 |
| 181. | Suleiman Al Abbas | | Former Oil and Mineral Resources Minister in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the violent repression of the Syrian people. | 24.6.2014 |
| 182. | Kamal Eddin Tu'ma | Date of birth: 1959 | Former Industry Minister in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 24.6.2014 |
| 183. | Kinda al-Shammat (a.k.a. Shmat) | Date of birth: 1973 | Former Social Affairs Minister in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 24.6.2014 |
| 184. | Hassan Hijazi | Date of birth: 1964 | Former Minister for Labour in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 24.6.2014 |
| 185. | Ismael Ismael (a.k.a. Ismail Ismail, or Isma'Il Isma'il) | Born: 1955 | Former Finance Minister in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 24.6.2014 |
| 186. | Dr Khodr Orfali (a.k.a. Khud/Khudr Urfali/Orphaly) | Date of birth: 1956 | Former Economy and Foreign Trade Minister in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 24.6.2014 |
| 187. | Samir Izzat Qadi Amin | Date of birth: 1966 | Former Internal Trade and Consumer Protection Minister in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 24.6.2014 |
| 189. | Dr Malek Ali (a.k.a. Malik) | Date of birth: 1956 | Former Higher Education Minister in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 24.6.2014 |
| 191. | Dr Hassib Elias Shammas (a.k.a. Hasib) | Date of birth: 1957 | Former State Minister in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 24.6.2014 |
| 1. | Houmam Jaza'iri (a.k.a. Humam al-Jazaeri, Hammam al-Jazairi) | Born: 1977 | Former Minister of Economy and Foreign Trade in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the violent repression of the Syrian people. | 21.10.2014 |
| 2. | Mohamad Amer Mardini (a.k.a. Mohammad Amer Mardini) | Date of birth: 1959;
  Place of birth: Damascus | Former Minister of Higher Education in power after May 2011 (appointed 27.8.2014). As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 21.10.2014 |
| 3. | Mohamad Ghazi Jalali (a.k.a. Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali) | Date of birth: 1969;
  Place of birth: Damascus | Former Minister of Communications and Technology in power after May 2011 (appointed 27.8.2014). As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 21.10.2014 |
| 4. | Kamal Cheikha (a.k.a. Kamal al-Sheikha) | Date of birth: 1961;
  Place of birth: Damascus | Former Minister of Water Resources in power after May 2011 (appointed 27.8.2014). As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 21.10.2014 |
| 5. | Hassan Nouri (a.k.a. Hassan al-Nouri) | Date of birth: 9.2.1960 | Former Minister of Administrative Development in power after May 2011 (appointed 27.8.2014). As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 21.10.2014 |
| 7. | Khalaf Souleymane Abdallah (a.k.a. Khalaf Sleiman al-Abdullah) | Date of birth: 1960;
  Place of birth: Deir ez-Zor | Former Minister of Labour in power after May 2011 (appointed 27.8.2014). As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 21.10.2014 |
| 9. | Hassan Safiyeh (a.k.a. Hassan Safiye) | Date of birth: 1949;
  Place of birth: Latakia | Former Minister of Internal Trade and Consumer Protection in power after May 2011 (appointed 27.8.2014). As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 21.10.2014 |
| 10. | Issam Khalil | Date of birth: 1965;
  Place of birth: Banias | Former Minister of Culture in power after May 2011 (appointed 27.8.2014). As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 21.10.2014 |
| 11. | Mohammad Mouti' Mouayyad (a.k.a. Mohammad Muti'a Moayyad) | Date of birth: 1968;
  Place of birth: Ariha (Idlib) | Former State Minister in power after May 2011 (appointed 27.8.2014). As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 21.10.2014 |
| 12. | Ghazwan Kheir Bek (a.k.a. Ghazqan Kheir Bek) | Date of birth: 1961;
  Place of birth: Latakia | Former Minister of transport in power after May 2011 (appointed 27.8.2014). As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. | 21.10.2014 |
| 217. | Atef Naddaf | Date of birth: 1956;
  Place of birth: Damascus Countryside | Higher Education Minister.
  Appointed in July 2016. | 14.11.2016 |
| 218. | Hussein Makhlouf (a.k.a. Makhluf) | Date of birth: 1964;
  Place of birth: Lattakia;
  Former Governor of Damascus Governorate | Local Administration Minister.
  Appointed in July 2016.
  Cousin of Rami Makhlouf. | 14.11.2016 |
| 219. | Ali Al-Zafir (a.k.a. al-Dafeer) | Date of birth: 1962;
  Place of birth: Tartous | Communications and Technology Minister.
  Appointed in July 2016. | 14.11.2016 |
| 220. | Ali Ghanem | Date of birth: 1963;
  Place of birth: Damascus | Minister for Petroleum and Mineral Resources.
  Appointed in July 2016. | 14.11.2016 |
| 221. | Mohammed (a.k.a. Mohamed, Muhammad, Mohammad) Ramez Tourjman (a.k.a. Tourjuman) (



  ) | Date of birth: 1966;
  Place of birth: Damascus | Information Minister.
  Appointed in July 2016. | 14.11.2016 |
| 222. | Mohammed (a.k.a. Mohamed, Muhammad, Mohammad) al-Ahmed (a.k.a. al-Ahmad) | Date of birth: 1961;
  Place of birth: Lattakia | Culture Minister.
  Appointed in July 2016. | 14.11.2016 |
| 223. | Ali Hamoud (a.k.a. Hammoud) | Date of birth: 1964;
  Place of birth: Tartous | Transport Minister.
  Appointed in July 2016. | 14.11.2016 |
| 224. | Mohammed Zuhair (a.k.a. Zahir) Kharboutli | Place of birth: Damascus | Electricity Minister.
  Appointed in July 2016. | 14.11.2016 |
| 225. | Maamoun (a.k.a. Ma'moun) Hamdan | Date of birth: 1958;
  Place of birth: Damascus | Finance Minister.
  Appointed in July 2016. | 14.11.2016 |
| 226. | Nabil al-Hasan (a.k.a. al-Hassan) | Date of birth: 1963;
  Place of birth: Aleppo | Minister of Water Resources.
  Appointed in July 2016. | 14.11.2016 |
| 227. | Ahmad al-Hamu (a.k.a. al-Hamo) | Date of birth: 1947 | Minister for Industry.
  Appointed in July 2016. | 14.11.2016 |
| 228. | Abdullah al-Gharbi (a.k.a. al-Qirbi) | Date of birth: 1962;
  Place of birth: Damascus | Minister of Internal Trade and Consumer Protection.
  Appointed in July 2016. | 14.11.2016 |
| 229. | Abdullah Abdullah (



  ) | Date of birth: 1956 | State Minister.
  Appointed in July 2016. | 14.11.2016 |
| 230. | Salwa Abdullah | Date of birth: 1953;
  Place of birth: Quneitra | State Minister.
  Appointed in July 2016. | 14.11.2016 |
| 231. | Rafe'a Abu Sa'ad (a.k.a. Saad) | Date of birth: 1954;
  Place of birth: Habran village (Sweida province) | State Minister.
  Appointed in July 2016. | 14.11.2016 |
| 232. | Wafiqa Hosni | Date of birth: 1952;
  Place of birth: Damascus | State Minister.
  Appointed in July 2016. | 14.11.2016 |
| 233. | Rima Al-Qadiri (a.k.a. Al-Kadiri) | Date of birth: 1963;
  Place of birth: Damascus | Minister for Social Affairs (since August 2015). | 14.11.2016 |
| 236. | Saji' Darwish (a.k.a. Saji Jamil Darwish; Sajee Darwish; Sjaa Darwis) (



  ) | Date of birth: 11 January 1957;
  Rank: Major General, Syrian Arab Air Force | Holds the rank of Major General, a senior officer and Commander of the 22nd Division of the Syrian Arab Air Force, in post after May 2011.
  Operates in the chemical weapons proliferation sector and is responsible for the violent repression against the civilian population: as a senior ranking officer of the Syrian Arab Air Force and Commander of the 22nd Division he holds responsibility for the use of chemical weapons by aircraft operating from airbases under the control of the 22nd Division, including the attack on Talmenes that the Joint Investigative Mechanism reported was conducted by Hama airfield-based regime helicopters. | 21.3.2017’ |

1.

In Part A (‘Persons’), the following entries replace the entries concerning the persons listed below:

Name

Identifying information

Reasons

Date of listing

‘13.

Image 66

Image 67

Date of birth: 1 March 1961;

Place of birth: Kerdaha, Latakia Province;

Passports No 86449 and No 842781

Involved in violence against the civilian population as part of the Shabiha militia.

9.5.2011

37.

Image 68

Image 69

Place of birth: Jablah, Latakia Province

Former Head of Syrian Military Intelligence (SMI) Branch 293 (Internal Affairs) in Damascus. Directly involved in repression and violence against the civilian population in Damascus. Advisor to President Bashar Al-Assad for strategic questions and military intelligence.

23.8.2011

53.

Image 70

Image 71

Born: 15 May 1955;

Place of birth: Bassir

Former Minister of Economy and Foreign Trade in power after May 2011 (appointed in July 2016). As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population. Adib Mayaleh was also responsible for providing economic and financial support to the Syrian regime through his former functions as the Governor of the Central Bank of Syria.

15.5.2012

59.

Image 72

Image 73

General in command of the 4th Division reserve bureau. Adviser to Maher al-Assad and coordinator of security operations. Responsible for the crackdown on the civilian population across Syria and involved in several breaches of cessation of hostilities in the Ghouta.

14.11.2011

66.

Image 74

Image 75

Former batallion Commander in the 4th Division. Appointed deputy head of the Military Intelligence Division in July 2015. Responsible for the crackdown on the civilian population in Deir ez-Zor.

14.11.2011

106.

Image 76

Image 77

Image 78

Born: 1964;

Place of birth: Dara'a Province

Former Prime Minister, in office until 3 July 2016, and former Minister of Health. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

27.2.2012

109.

Image 79

Image 80

Image 81

Date of birth: 1 August 1961;

Place of birth: near Damascus

Prime Minister and former Minister of Electricity. As Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

23.3.2012

110.

Image 82

Image 83

Image 84

Born: 1954;

Place of birth: Tartous

Former Vice Prime Minister for Services Affairs, former Minister of Local Administration, in office until 3 July 2016. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

23.3.2012

117.

Image 85

Image 86

Image 87

Born: 1966;

Place of birth: Tartous

Syrian Ambassador to Iran. Former Minister of Information in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

23.9.2011

157.

Image 88

Image 89

Former Minister of Water Resources in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

16.10.2012

162.

Image 90

Image 91

Image 92

Former Minister of Transport in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

16.10.2012

166.

Image 93

Image 94

Born 1955;

place of birth Damascus

Former Minister of Culture in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

16.10.2012

168.

Image 95

Image 96

Image 97

Born 27 September 1959;

Place of birth Damascus

Former Minister of Information in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

16.10.2012

170.

Image 98

Image 99

Image 100

Former Minister of Justice in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

16.10.2012

171.

Image 101

Image 102

Image 103

Former Minister of Health in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

16.10.2012

173.

Image 104

Image 105

Image 106

Former State Minister for Environmental Affairs, in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

16.10.2012

176.

Image 107

Image 108

Image 109

Former State Minister in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

16.10.2012

177.

Image 110

Image 111

Image 112

Former State Minister in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

16.10.2012

181.

Suleiman Al Abbas

Former Oil and Mineral Resources Minister in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the violent repression of the Syrian people.

24.6.2014

182.

Kamal Eddin Tu'ma

Date of birth: 1959

Former Industry Minister in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

24.6.2014

183.

Kinda al-Shammat (a.k.a. Shmat)

Date of birth: 1973

Former Social Affairs Minister in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

24.6.2014

184.

Hassan Hijazi

Date of birth: 1964

Former Minister for Labour in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

24.6.2014

185.

Ismael Ismael (a.k.a. Ismail Ismail, or Isma'Il Isma'il)

Born: 1955

Former Finance Minister in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

24.6.2014

186.

Dr Khodr Orfali (a.k.a. Khud/Khudr Urfali/Orphaly)

Date of birth: 1956

Former Economy and Foreign Trade Minister in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

24.6.2014

187.

Samir Izzat Qadi Amin

Date of birth: 1966

Former Internal Trade and Consumer Protection Minister in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

24.6.2014

189.

Dr Malek Ali (a.k.a. Malik)

Date of birth: 1956

Former Higher Education Minister in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

24.6.2014

191.

Dr Hassib Elias Shammas (a.k.a. Hasib)

Date of birth: 1957

Former State Minister in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

24.6.2014

1.

Houmam Jaza'iri (a.k.a. Humam al-Jazaeri, Hammam al-Jazairi)

Born: 1977

Former Minister of Economy and Foreign Trade in power after May 2011. As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the violent repression of the Syrian people.

21.10.2014

2.

Mohamad Amer Mardini (a.k.a. Mohammad Amer Mardini)

Date of birth: 1959;

Place of birth: Damascus

Former Minister of Higher Education in power after May 2011 (appointed 27.8.2014). As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

21.10.2014

3.

Mohamad Ghazi Jalali (a.k.a. Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali)

Date of birth: 1969;

Place of birth: Damascus

Former Minister of Communications and Technology in power after May 2011 (appointed 27.8.2014). As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

21.10.2014

4.

Kamal Cheikha (a.k.a. Kamal al-Sheikha)

Date of birth: 1961;

Place of birth: Damascus

Former Minister of Water Resources in power after May 2011 (appointed 27.8.2014). As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

21.10.2014

5.

Hassan Nouri (a.k.a. Hassan al-Nouri)

Date of birth: 9.2.1960

Former Minister of Administrative Development in power after May 2011 (appointed 27.8.2014). As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

21.10.2014

7.

Khalaf Souleymane Abdallah (a.k.a. Khalaf Sleiman al-Abdullah)

Date of birth: 1960;

Place of birth: Deir ez-Zor

Former Minister of Labour in power after May 2011 (appointed 27.8.2014). As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

21.10.2014

9.

Hassan Safiyeh (a.k.a. Hassan Safiye)

Date of birth: 1949;

Place of birth: Latakia

Former Minister of Internal Trade and Consumer Protection in power after May 2011 (appointed 27.8.2014). As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

21.10.2014

10.

Issam Khalil

Date of birth: 1965;

Place of birth: Banias

Former Minister of Culture in power after May 2011 (appointed 27.8.2014). As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

21.10.2014

11.

Mohammad Mouti' Mouayyad (a.k.a. Mohammad Muti'a Moayyad)

Date of birth: 1968;

Place of birth: Ariha (Idlib)

Former State Minister in power after May 2011 (appointed 27.8.2014). As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

21.10.2014

12.

Ghazwan Kheir Bek (a.k.a. Ghazqan Kheir Bek)

Date of birth: 1961;

Place of birth: Latakia

Former Minister of transport in power after May 2011 (appointed 27.8.2014). As a former Government Minister, shares responsibility for the regime's violent repression against the civilian population.

21.10.2014

217.

Image 113

Date of birth: 1956;

Place of birth: Damascus Countryside

Higher Education Minister.

Appointed in July 2016.

14.11.2016

218.

Image 114

Date of birth: 1964;

Place of birth: Lattakia;

Former Governor of Damascus Governorate

Local Administration Minister.

Appointed in July 2016.

Cousin of Rami Makhlouf.

14.11.2016

219.

Image 115

Date of birth: 1962;

Place of birth: Tartous

Communications and Technology Minister.

Appointed in July 2016.

14.11.2016

220.

Image 116

Date of birth: 1963;

Place of birth: Damascus

Minister for Petroleum and Mineral Resources.

Appointed in July 2016.

14.11.2016

221.

Image 117

Date of birth: 1966;

Place of birth: Damascus

Information Minister.

Appointed in July 2016.

14.11.2016

222.

Image 118

Date of birth: 1961;

Place of birth: Lattakia

Culture Minister.

Appointed in July 2016.

14.11.2016

223.

Image 119

Date of birth: 1964;

Place of birth: Tartous

Transport Minister.

Appointed in July 2016.

14.11.2016

224.

Image 120

Place of birth: Damascus

Electricity Minister.

Appointed in July 2016.

14.11.2016

225.

Image 121

Date of birth: 1958;

Place of birth: Damascus

Finance Minister.

Appointed in July 2016.

14.11.2016

226.

Image 122

Date of birth: 1963;

Place of birth: Aleppo

Minister of Water Resources.

Appointed in July 2016.

14.11.2016

227.

Image 123

Date of birth: 1947

Minister for Industry.

Appointed in July 2016.

14.11.2016

228.

Image 124

Date of birth: 1962;

Place of birth: Damascus

Minister of Internal Trade and Consumer Protection.

Appointed in July 2016.

14.11.2016

229.

Image 125

Date of birth: 1956

State Minister.

Appointed in July 2016.

14.11.2016

230.

Image 126

Date of birth: 1953;

Place of birth: Quneitra

State Minister.

Appointed in July 2016.

14.11.2016

231.

Image 127

Date of birth: 1954;

Place of birth: Habran village (Sweida province)

State Minister.

Appointed in July 2016.

14.11.2016

232.

Image 128

Date of birth: 1952;

Place of birth: Damascus

State Minister.

Appointed in July 2016.

14.11.2016

233.

Image 129

Date of birth: 1963;

Place of birth: Damascus

Minister for Social Affairs (since August 2015).

14.11.2016

236.

Image 130

Date of birth: 11 January 1957;

Rank: Major General, Syrian Arab Air Force

Holds the rank of Major General, a senior officer and Commander of the 22nd Division of the Syrian Arab Air Force, in post after May 2011.

Operates in the chemical weapons proliferation sector and is responsible for the violent repression against the civilian population: as a senior ranking officer of the Syrian Arab Air Force and Commander of the 22nd Division he holds responsibility for the use of chemical weapons by aircraft operating from airbases under the control of the 22nd Division, including the attack on Talmenes that the Joint Investigative Mechanism reported was conducted by Hama airfield-based regime helicopters.

21.3.2017’

| 2. | In Part A (‘Persons’), the following entries concerning the persons listed below are inserted: | Name | Identifying information | Reasons | Date of listing |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| ‘239. | Hisham Mohammad Mamdouh al-Sha'ar | Date of birth: 1958;
  Place of birth: Damascus (Syria) | Justice Minister. Appointed in March 2017. | 30.5.2017 |
| 240. | Mohammad Samer Abdelrahman al-Khalil | | Economy and Foreign Trade. Minister. Appointed in March 2017. | 30.5.2017 |
| 241. | Salam Mohammad al-Saffaf | Date of birth: 1979 | Administrative Development Minister. Appointed in March 2017. | 30.5.2017’ |

2.

In Part A (‘Persons’), the following entries concerning the persons listed below are inserted:

Name

Identifying information

Reasons

Date of listing

‘239.

Hisham Mohammad Mamdouh al-Sha'ar

Date of birth: 1958;

Place of birth: Damascus (Syria)

Justice Minister. Appointed in March 2017.

30.5.2017

240.

Mohammad Samer Abdelrahman al-Khalil

Economy and Foreign Trade. Minister. Appointed in March 2017.

30.5.2017

241.

Salam Mohammad al-Saffaf

Date of birth: 1979

Administrative Development Minister. Appointed in March 2017.

30.5.2017’

| 3. | In Part B (‘Entities’), the following entry replaces the entry concerning the entity listed below: | Name | Identifying information | Reasons | Date of listing |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| ‘36. | Ebla Petroleum Company a.k.a. Ebco | Head Office Mazzeh Villat Ghabia Dar Es Saada 16, |
| P.O. Box 9120, |
| Damascus, Syria; |
| Tel: +963 116691100 |

3.

In Part B (‘Entities’), the following entry replaces the entry concerning the entity listed below:

Name

Identifying information

Reasons

Date of listing

‘36.

Ebla Petroleum Company a.k.a. Ebco

Head Office Mazzeh Villat Ghabia Dar Es Saada 16,

P.O. Box 9120,

Damascus, Syria;

Tel: +963 116691100

Joint venture of GPC. Provides financial support to the regime.

23.1.2012’

---

| 30.5.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 139/70 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

30.5.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 139/70

---

COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DECISION (EU) 2017/918

of 23 May 2017

identifying Saint Vincent and the Grenadines as a non-cooperating third country in fighting illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1005/2008 of 29 September 2008 establishing a Community system to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, amending Regulations (EEC) No 2847/93, (EC) No 1936/2001 and (EC) No 601/2004 and repealing Regulations (EC) No 1093/94 and (EC) No 1447/1999 (1), and in particular Article 31 thereof,

Whereas:

1.   INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

| (1) | Regulation (EC) No 1005/2008 (the IUU Regulation) establishes a Union system to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Regulation (EC) No 1005/2008 (the IUU Regulation) establishes a Union system to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

| (2) | Chapter VI of the IUU Regulation lays down the procedure with respect to the identification of non-cooperating third countries, démarches in respect of countries identified as non-cooperating third countries, the establishment of a list of non-cooperating countries, removal from the list of non-cooperating countries, publicity of the list of non-cooperating countries and any emergency measures. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

Chapter VI of the IUU Regulation lays down the procedure with respect to the identification of non-cooperating third countries, démarches in respect of countries identified as non-cooperating third countries, the establishment of a list of non-cooperating countries, removal from the list of non-cooperating countries, publicity of the list of non-cooperating countries and any emergency measures.

| (3) | Pursuant to Article 31 of the IUU Regulation, the Commission is to identify third countries that it considers as non-cooperating countries in fighting IUU fishing. A third country may be identified as a non-cooperating third country if it fails to discharge the duties incumbent upon it under international law as flag, port, coastal or market State, to take action to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU fishing. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

Pursuant to Article 31 of the IUU Regulation, the Commission is to identify third countries that it considers as non-cooperating countries in fighting IUU fishing. A third country may be identified as a non-cooperating third country if it fails to discharge the duties incumbent upon it under international law as flag, port, coastal or market State, to take action to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU fishing.

| (4) | The identification of non-cooperating third countries shall be based on the review of all information as set out under Article 31(2) of the IUU Regulation. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

The identification of non-cooperating third countries shall be based on the review of all information as set out under Article 31(2) of the IUU Regulation.

| (5) | In accordance with Article 33 of the IUU Regulation, the Council is to establish a list of non-cooperating countries. The measures set out in Article 38 of the IUU Regulation apply to those countries. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

In accordance with Article 33 of the IUU Regulation, the Council is to establish a list of non-cooperating countries. The measures set out in Article 38 of the IUU Regulation apply to those countries.

| (6) | According to Article 12(2) of the IUU Regulation, fishery products are only to be imported into the Union when accompanied by a catch certificate in conformity with that Regulation. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

According to Article 12(2) of the IUU Regulation, fishery products are only to be imported into the Union when accompanied by a catch certificate in conformity with that Regulation.

| (7) | Pursuant to Article 20(1)(a) of the IUU Regulation, catch certificates validated by a given flag State may only be accepted if that State notifies the Commission of its arrangements for the implementation, control and enforcement of laws, regulations and conservation and management measures which must be complied with by its fishing vessels. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

Pursuant to Article 20(1)(a) of the IUU Regulation, catch certificates validated by a given flag State may only be accepted if that State notifies the Commission of its arrangements for the implementation, control and enforcement of laws, regulations and conservation and management measures which must be complied with by its fishing vessels.

| (8) | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has not submitted to the Commission its notification as a flag State pursuant to Article 20 of the IUU Regulation. |
| --- | --- |

(8)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has not submitted to the Commission its notification as a flag State pursuant to Article 20 of the IUU Regulation.

| (9) | Pursuant to Article 20(4) of the IUU Regulation, the Commission cooperates administratively with third countries in areas pertaining to the implementation of the catch certification provisions of that Regulation. |
| --- | --- |

(9)

Pursuant to Article 20(4) of the IUU Regulation, the Commission cooperates administratively with third countries in areas pertaining to the implementation of the catch certification provisions of that Regulation.

| (10) | Based on the information referred to in Article 31(2) of the IUU Regulation, the Commission considered that there were strong indications that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines had failed to discharge the duties, incumbent upon them under international law as flag, port, coastal or market State, to take action to prevent, deter or eliminate IUU fishing. |
| --- | --- |

(10)

Based on the information referred to in Article 31(2) of the IUU Regulation, the Commission considered that there were strong indications that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines had failed to discharge the duties, incumbent upon them under international law as flag, port, coastal or market State, to take action to prevent, deter or eliminate IUU fishing.

| (11) | In accordance with Article 32 of the IUU Regulation, the Commission therefore decided, by Decision of 12 December 2014 (2), to notify Saint Vincent and the Grenadines of the possibility of being identified as a non-cooperating third country pursuant to the IUU Regulation. |
| --- | --- |

(11)

In accordance with Article 32 of the IUU Regulation, the Commission therefore decided, by Decision of 12 December 2014 (2), to notify Saint Vincent and the Grenadines of the possibility of being identified as a non-cooperating third country pursuant to the IUU Regulation.

2

| (12) | The Decision of 12 December 2014 included information concerning the essential facts and considerations underlying such possible identification. |
| --- | --- |

(12)

The Decision of 12 December 2014 included information concerning the essential facts and considerations underlying such possible identification.

| (13) | The Decision was notified to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines together with a letter inviting Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to implement, in close cooperation with the Commission, an action plan to rectify the identified shortcomings. |
| --- | --- |

(13)

The Decision was notified to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines together with a letter inviting Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to implement, in close cooperation with the Commission, an action plan to rectify the identified shortcomings.

| (14) | The Commission invited Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in particular: (i) to take all necessary measures to implement the actions contained in the action plan suggested by the Commission; (ii) to assess the implementation of the actions contained in the action plan suggested by the Commission; and (iii) to send every 6 months a detailed report to the Commission assessing the implementation of each action as regards, inter alia, its individual and/or overall effectiveness in ensuring a fully compliant fisheries control system. |
| --- | --- |

(14)

The Commission invited Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in particular: (i) to take all necessary measures to implement the actions contained in the action plan suggested by the Commission; (ii) to assess the implementation of the actions contained in the action plan suggested by the Commission; and (iii) to send every 6 months a detailed report to the Commission assessing the implementation of each action as regards, inter alia, its individual and/or overall effectiveness in ensuring a fully compliant fisheries control system.

| (15) | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was given the opportunity to respond to the Decision of 12 December 2014 as well as to other relevant information communicated by the Commission, allowing it to submit evidence refuting or completing the facts stated in the Decision of 12 December 2014. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was assured of its right to ask for, or to provide, additional information. |
| --- | --- |

(15)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was given the opportunity to respond to the Decision of 12 December 2014 as well as to other relevant information communicated by the Commission, allowing it to submit evidence refuting or completing the facts stated in the Decision of 12 December 2014. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was assured of its right to ask for, or to provide, additional information.

| (16) | By its Decision and its letter of 12 December 2014, the Commission opened a dialogue process with Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and indicated that it considered a period of 6 months as being in principle sufficient for reaching an agreement. |
| --- | --- |

(16)

By its Decision and its letter of 12 December 2014, the Commission opened a dialogue process with Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and indicated that it considered a period of 6 months as being in principle sufficient for reaching an agreement.

| (17) | The Commission continued to seek and verify all information it deemed necessary. The oral and written comments submitted by Saint Vincent and the Grenadines following the Decision of 12 December 2014 were considered and taken into account. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was kept informed, either orally or in writing, of the Commission's considerations. |
| --- | --- |

(17)

The Commission continued to seek and verify all information it deemed necessary. The oral and written comments submitted by Saint Vincent and the Grenadines following the Decision of 12 December 2014 were considered and taken into account. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was kept informed, either orally or in writing, of the Commission's considerations.

| (18) | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has not sufficiently addressed the areas of concern and shortcomings described in the Decision of 12 December 2014 and also failed to fully implement the measures suggested in the Action Plan that accompanied the Decision. |
| --- | --- |

(18)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has not sufficiently addressed the areas of concern and shortcomings described in the Decision of 12 December 2014 and also failed to fully implement the measures suggested in the Action Plan that accompanied the Decision.

2.   PROCEDURE WITH RESPECT TO SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

PROCEDURE WITH RESPECT TO SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

| (19) | On 12 December 2014, the Commission notified Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, pursuant to Article 32 of the IUU Regulation, that it considered the possibility of identifying Saint Vincent and the Grenadines as a non-cooperating third country. |
| --- | --- |

(19)

On 12 December 2014, the Commission notified Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, pursuant to Article 32 of the IUU Regulation, that it considered the possibility of identifying Saint Vincent and the Grenadines as a non-cooperating third country.

| (20) | The Commission suggested Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to implement, in close cooperation with its services, an action plan to rectify the shortcomings identified in its Decision of 12 December 2014. |
| --- | --- |

(20)

The Commission suggested Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to implement, in close cooperation with its services, an action plan to rectify the shortcomings identified in its Decision of 12 December 2014.

| (21) | The main shortcomings identified by the Commission were related to several failures to implement international law obligations, linked in particular to the adoption of an adequate legal framework, lack of adequate and efficient monitoring, lack of an observer scheme and inspection programme, lack of clear and transparent registration and fishing licence procedures and lack of a deterrent sanctioning system. Other identified shortcomings relate, more generally, to the compliance with international obligations including recommendations and resolutions of Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs). A lack of consistence with recommendations and resolutions from relevant bodies such as the FAO International Plan of Action against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing of the United Nations (IPOA-IUU) and FAO Guidelines for Flag State Performance were also identified. However, the lack of consistence with non-binding recommendations and resolutions was considered only as supporting evidence and not as a basis for the identification. |
| --- | --- |

(21)

The main shortcomings identified by the Commission were related to several failures to implement international law obligations, linked in particular to the adoption of an adequate legal framework, lack of adequate and efficient monitoring, lack of an observer scheme and inspection programme, lack of clear and transparent registration and fishing licence procedures and lack of a deterrent sanctioning system. Other identified shortcomings relate, more generally, to the compliance with international obligations including recommendations and resolutions of Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs). A lack of consistence with recommendations and resolutions from relevant bodies such as the FAO International Plan of Action against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing of the United Nations (IPOA-IUU) and FAO Guidelines for Flag State Performance were also identified. However, the lack of consistence with non-binding recommendations and resolutions was considered only as supporting evidence and not as a basis for the identification.

| (22) | Through its letter dated 2 February 2015, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines informed the Commission of the institutional arrangements set up in order to address the shortcomings identified in the Decision of 12 December 2014. |
| --- | --- |

(22)

Through its letter dated 2 February 2015, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines informed the Commission of the institutional arrangements set up in order to address the shortcomings identified in the Decision of 12 December 2014.

| (23) | Technical consultations between the Commission and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines took place on 11 February 2015 in Panama. |
| --- | --- |

(23)

Technical consultations between the Commission and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines took place on 11 February 2015 in Panama.

| (24) | The Commission and the authorities of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines held a conference call on 13 March 2015 to follow-up with regards to the level of implementation of the Action Plan. |
| --- | --- |

(24)

The Commission and the authorities of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines held a conference call on 13 March 2015 to follow-up with regards to the level of implementation of the Action Plan.

| (25) | The authorities of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines submitted a document on 7 August 2015 listing the actions carried out with regards to the prevention of IUU fishing. However, through that communication the authorities announced that the final approval of most of the documents enumerated in the Action Plan was being postponed. |
| --- | --- |

(25)

The authorities of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines submitted a document on 7 August 2015 listing the actions carried out with regards to the prevention of IUU fishing. However, through that communication the authorities announced that the final approval of most of the documents enumerated in the Action Plan was being postponed.

| (26) | On 2 October 2015 the Commission sent a letter to the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Transformation, Forestry and Fisheries of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines stating that there was no clear evidence that the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines authorities had addressed the deficiencies that led to the pre-identification as a non-cooperating country and suggesting to continue the dialogue through an on-spot dialogue visit. |
| --- | --- |

(26)

On 2 October 2015 the Commission sent a letter to the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Transformation, Forestry and Fisheries of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines stating that there was no clear evidence that the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines authorities had addressed the deficiencies that led to the pre-identification as a non-cooperating country and suggesting to continue the dialogue through an on-spot dialogue visit.

| (27) | The authorities of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines responded to that letter by submitting a progress report on 28 October 2015 with no further elements to the document mentioned in recital 25. |
| --- | --- |

(27)

The authorities of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines responded to that letter by submitting a progress report on 28 October 2015 with no further elements to the document mentioned in recital 25.

| (28) | Through a letter sent on 16 December 2015 the Commission highlighted the lack of progress of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in addressing the Action Plan following the Decision of 12 December 2014. |
| --- | --- |

(28)

Through a letter sent on 16 December 2015 the Commission highlighted the lack of progress of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in addressing the Action Plan following the Decision of 12 December 2014.

| (29) | On 19 January 2016 the Commission sent a letter to the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines authorities sharing the information collected with regards to the activity of the IUU-listed fishing vessel Asian Warrior, also known as Kunlun and Taishan, and requesting additional intelligence in relation to the registration process of vessels under their flag. |
| --- | --- |

(29)

On 19 January 2016 the Commission sent a letter to the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines authorities sharing the information collected with regards to the activity of the IUU-listed fishing vessel Asian Warrior, also known as Kunlun and Taishan, and requesting additional intelligence in relation to the registration process of vessels under their flag.

| (30) | On February 2016 the Commission carried out a dialogue visit with the objective to discuss the progress achieved since the Decision of 12 December 2014. The visit confirmed the remaining deficiencies in addressing the identified shortcomings identified in the Decision. |
| --- | --- |

(30)

On February 2016 the Commission carried out a dialogue visit with the objective to discuss the progress achieved since the Decision of 12 December 2014. The visit confirmed the remaining deficiencies in addressing the identified shortcomings identified in the Decision.

| (31) | On March 2016 the authorities of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines submitted: (i) a draft National Plan of Action against IUU fishing (NPOA-IUU) and (ii) a draft Memorandum of Understanding between the two national authorities involved in the regulation of fishing vessels, the Fisheries Division and the Department of Maritime Administration. In a letter dated 3 June 2016, the Commission informed Saint Vincent and the Grenadines authorities that the content of those documents might not be in line with its responsibilities under international law as flag State to take action to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU fishing. Furthermore, the letter highlighted that there was a lack of a clear timeline to address the shortcomings identified in the Action Plan. |
| --- | --- |

(31)

On March 2016 the authorities of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines submitted: (i) a draft National Plan of Action against IUU fishing (NPOA-IUU) and (ii) a draft Memorandum of Understanding between the two national authorities involved in the regulation of fishing vessels, the Fisheries Division and the Department of Maritime Administration. In a letter dated 3 June 2016, the Commission informed Saint Vincent and the Grenadines authorities that the content of those documents might not be in line with its responsibilities under international law as flag State to take action to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU fishing. Furthermore, the letter highlighted that there was a lack of a clear timeline to address the shortcomings identified in the Action Plan.

| (32) | By letter of 3 June 2016 the Commission invited the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines authorities to provide information on the fishing vessel Gotland, flagged to the country, which is presumed to have conducted fishing activities without a valid licence in waters under national jurisdiction of Senegal and refused to comply with orders given by the Senegalese authorities (3). |
| --- | --- |

(32)

By letter of 3 June 2016 the Commission invited the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines authorities to provide information on the fishing vessel Gotland, flagged to the country, which is presumed to have conducted fishing activities without a valid licence in waters under national jurisdiction of Senegal and refused to comply with orders given by the Senegalese authorities (3).

3

| (33) | On June 2016 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines acceded to the FAO Port State Measures Agreement. |
| --- | --- |

(33)

On June 2016 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines acceded to the FAO Port State Measures Agreement.

| (34) | On 15 July 2016 a reminder message was sent via email to the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines authorities encouraging them to take active steps in the fight against IUU fishing activities and correct the deficiencies in the fisheries legal and administrative frameworks. |
| --- | --- |

(34)

On 15 July 2016 a reminder message was sent via email to the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines authorities encouraging them to take active steps in the fight against IUU fishing activities and correct the deficiencies in the fisheries legal and administrative frameworks.

| (35) | This latter communication was followed by a letter being sent to the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines authorities on 24 October 2016, to which the authorities acknowledged receipt the same day. |
| --- | --- |

(35)

This latter communication was followed by a letter being sent to the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines authorities on 24 October 2016, to which the authorities acknowledged receipt the same day.

3.   IDENTIFICATION OF SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES AS A NON-COOPERATING THIRD COUNTRY

IDENTIFICATION OF SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES AS A NON-COOPERATING THIRD COUNTRY

| (36) | Pursuant to Article 31(3) of the IUU Regulation, the Commission has reviewed the compliance of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines with its international obligations as flag, port, coastal or market State. For the purpose of this review, the Commission has taken into account the parameters listed in Article 31(4) to (7) of the IUU Regulation. |
| --- | --- |

(36)

Pursuant to Article 31(3) of the IUU Regulation, the Commission has reviewed the compliance of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines with its international obligations as flag, port, coastal or market State. For the purpose of this review, the Commission has taken into account the parameters listed in Article 31(4) to (7) of the IUU Regulation.

3.1.   Measures taken in respect of the recurrence of IUU Vessels and trade flows (Article 31(4) of the IUU Regulation)

Measures taken in respect of the recurrence of IUU Vessels and trade flows (Article 31(4) of the IUU Regulation)

| (37) | On the basis of publicly available information the Commission established that at least two vessels flagged to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines have been involved in IUU fishing activities in 2015 and 2016 (4). |
| --- | --- |

(37)

On the basis of publicly available information the Commission established that at least two vessels flagged to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines have been involved in IUU fishing activities in 2015 and 2016 (4).

4

| (38) | In August 2015, the fishing vessel Asian Warrior, also known as Kunlun and Taishan, was registered as reefer cargo vessel under the flag of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The vessel, which had been previously detained in Thailand as falsely claiming being flagged to Indonesia, steamed out the port of Phuket, Thailand without permission from the relevant authorities in September 2015. Prior to this, the vessel had refuelled with 80 000 litres of fuel and reloaded into the vessel holds the toothfish that had previously been offloaded in Thailand. In December 2015, Senegalese authorities detained the vessel. |
| --- | --- |

(38)

In August 2015, the fishing vessel Asian Warrior, also known as Kunlun and Taishan, was registered as reefer cargo vessel under the flag of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The vessel, which had been previously detained in Thailand as falsely claiming being flagged to Indonesia, steamed out the port of Phuket, Thailand without permission from the relevant authorities in September 2015. Prior to this, the vessel had refuelled with 80 000 litres of fuel and reloaded into the vessel holds the toothfish that had previously been offloaded in Thailand. In December 2015, Senegalese authorities detained the vessel.

| (39) | On 8 February 2016, by order of the legal person located outside Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to which the management of the registry has been delegated, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines authorities deleted the vessel from the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines registry of ships for ‘misuse of the registry certificates which were not valid for navigation’. Whereas the Asian Warrior was involved in several IUU activities when operating under the flag of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, including the entry of illegal catches into the market, the authorities of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines did not take any administrative or penal measure in this respect other than removal of the vessel from the national registry. Furthermore, the vessel Asian Warrior has been included on the IUU vessel list of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) since 2003 and Interpol issued a Purple Notice on 13 January 2015 which had been last updated on 29 September 2015. |
| --- | --- |

(39)

On 8 February 2016, by order of the legal person located outside Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to which the management of the registry has been delegated, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines authorities deleted the vessel from the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines registry of ships for ‘misuse of the registry certificates which were not valid for navigation’. Whereas the Asian Warrior was involved in several IUU activities when operating under the flag of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, including the entry of illegal catches into the market, the authorities of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines did not take any administrative or penal measure in this respect other than removal of the vessel from the national registry. Furthermore, the vessel Asian Warrior has been included on the IUU vessel list of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) since 2003 and Interpol issued a Purple Notice on 13 January 2015 which had been last updated on 29 September 2015.

| (40) | The simple administrative decision to remove a fishing vessel from the register without ensuring the possibility to impose other penalties is an act that does not ensure deterrent effects. De-registration of a fishing vessel does not ensure that offenders are sanctioned for their actions and deprived from the benefits of their actions. Moreover, the lack of proper reaction by Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and the lack of cooperation with the competent authorities of the port States concerned is not in line with its obligations laid down in Article 6 of the FAO Agreement on Port State Measures to prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing. |
| --- | --- |

(40)

The simple administrative decision to remove a fishing vessel from the register without ensuring the possibility to impose other penalties is an act that does not ensure deterrent effects. De-registration of a fishing vessel does not ensure that offenders are sanctioned for their actions and deprived from the benefits of their actions. Moreover, the lack of proper reaction by Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and the lack of cooperation with the competent authorities of the port States concerned is not in line with its obligations laid down in Article 6 of the FAO Agreement on Port State Measures to prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing.

| (41) | The Commission has not received any communication from the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines authorities providing information with regards the Asian Warrior. |
| --- | --- |

(41)

The Commission has not received any communication from the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines authorities providing information with regards the Asian Warrior.

| (42) | From the information gathered by the Commission, a vessel flagged to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Gotland (5), was reported in February 2016 to be fishing without authorisation in the Economic Exclusive Zone of Senegal. In that respect, Senegalese authorities gave the order to pursue and detain the vessel which fled. Since those activities constitute an infringement of the Senegalese Maritime Fisheries Code (6), the Senegalese authorities sanctioned the fishing vessel Gotland with a fine of CFA 1 030 000 000 (7). |
| --- | --- |

(42)

From the information gathered by the Commission, a vessel flagged to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Gotland (5), was reported in February 2016 to be fishing without authorisation in the Economic Exclusive Zone of Senegal. In that respect, Senegalese authorities gave the order to pursue and detain the vessel which fled. Since those activities constitute an infringement of the Senegalese Maritime Fisheries Code (6), the Senegalese authorities sanctioned the fishing vessel Gotland with a fine of CFA 1 030 000 000 (7).

5

6

7

| (43) | Following a request of assistance from the Senegalese authorities, the Commission entered in contact with the authorities of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines notably to underline the importance for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to take appropriate measures with respect to that vessel. Up to date, the Commission has not received any reply from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and has not been made aware of any reply to the requests for mutual assistance sent by Member States in the framework of Article 51 of the IUU Regulation. The Commission has also been informed that some third countries also took similar initiatives. The Commission has not been made aware from any other sources of any measures being taken by Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in relation to the vessel in question. |
| --- | --- |

(43)

Following a request of assistance from the Senegalese authorities, the Commission entered in contact with the authorities of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines notably to underline the importance for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to take appropriate measures with respect to that vessel. Up to date, the Commission has not received any reply from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and has not been made aware of any reply to the requests for mutual assistance sent by Member States in the framework of Article 51 of the IUU Regulation. The Commission has also been informed that some third countries also took similar initiatives. The Commission has not been made aware from any other sources of any measures being taken by Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in relation to the vessel in question.

| (44) | With regard to information laid down in recitals 37 to 43, the Commission considers that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has failed to uphold its responsibilities as flag State to prevent its fleet from engaging in IUU activities. In this respect it is recalled that, pursuant to Article 94(2)(b) of Unclos, the flag State must assume jurisdiction under internal law over ships flying its flag, including the actions of master, officers and crew on-board. It is noted that according to Article 117 of Unclos, the flag State has the duty to take, or to cooperate with other States in taking, such measures for their respective nationals as may be necessary for the conservation of living resources of the high seas. |
| --- | --- |

(44)

With regard to information laid down in recitals 37 to 43, the Commission considers that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has failed to uphold its responsibilities as flag State to prevent its fleet from engaging in IUU activities. In this respect it is recalled that, pursuant to Article 94(2)(b) of Unclos, the flag State must assume jurisdiction under internal law over ships flying its flag, including the actions of master, officers and crew on-board. It is noted that according to Article 117 of Unclos, the flag State has the duty to take, or to cooperate with other States in taking, such measures for their respective nationals as may be necessary for the conservation of living resources of the high seas.

| (45) | Under Article 31(4)(b) of the IUU Regulation, the Commission also examined the measures taken by Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in respect of access of fisheries products stemming from IUU fishing to its market. The IPOA IUU provides guidance on internationally agreed market-related measures which support reduction or elimination of trade in fish and fish products derived from IUU fishing. It also suggests at point 71 that States should take steps to improve the transparency of their markets in order to allow the traceability of fish or fish products. Equally, the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries (Code of Conduct) outlines, in particular in Article 11, good practices for post-harvest activities and responsible international trade. Article 11.1.11 of that Code of Conduct requests States to ensure that fish and fishery products are traded internationally and domestically in accordance with sound conservation and management practices through improving the identification of the origin of fish and fishery products. |
| --- | --- |

(45)

Under Article 31(4)(b) of the IUU Regulation, the Commission also examined the measures taken by Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in respect of access of fisheries products stemming from IUU fishing to its market. The IPOA IUU provides guidance on internationally agreed market-related measures which support reduction or elimination of trade in fish and fish products derived from IUU fishing. It also suggests at point 71 that States should take steps to improve the transparency of their markets in order to allow the traceability of fish or fish products. Equally, the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries (Code of Conduct) outlines, in particular in Article 11, good practices for post-harvest activities and responsible international trade. Article 11.1.11 of that Code of Conduct requests States to ensure that fish and fishery products are traded internationally and domestically in accordance with sound conservation and management practices through improving the identification of the origin of fish and fishery products.

| (46) | During the two visits carried out in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in May 2014, as mentioned in recital 9 of Decision of 12 December 2014, and February 2016, the Commission established that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines competent authorities were not in a position to ensure an adequate control of the activities of their fishing fleet. The competent authorities of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines submitted that all their fishing vessels operating in the ICCAT area land or tranship exclusively in Trinidad and Tobago Ports (Port of Spain and Chaguaramas). However, due to lack of cooperation with Trinidad and Tobago authorities, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is not in a position to provide information on the characteristics of the species caught by vessels operating under its flag in high seas or on the fishing products landed or transhipped in Trinidad and Tobago ports and on the trade flows of those products. In this respect, the authorities of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines fail to cooperate with port States authorities in contravention of Article 20 of the FAO Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing. |
| --- | --- |

(46)

During the two visits carried out in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in May 2014, as mentioned in recital 9 of Decision of 12 December 2014, and February 2016, the Commission established that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines competent authorities were not in a position to ensure an adequate control of the activities of their fishing fleet. The competent authorities of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines submitted that all their fishing vessels operating in the ICCAT area land or tranship exclusively in Trinidad and Tobago Ports (Port of Spain and Chaguaramas). However, due to lack of cooperation with Trinidad and Tobago authorities, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is not in a position to provide information on the characteristics of the species caught by vessels operating under its flag in high seas or on the fishing products landed or transhipped in Trinidad and Tobago ports and on the trade flows of those products. In this respect, the authorities of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines fail to cooperate with port States authorities in contravention of Article 20 of the FAO Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing.

| (47) | Furthermore, as described in recital 38, the authorities of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines failed to prevent fishery products stemming from IUU fishing from being landed in ports, with the consequent risk that those products be granted access to the market. |
| --- | --- |

(47)

Furthermore, as described in recital 38, the authorities of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines failed to prevent fishery products stemming from IUU fishing from being landed in ports, with the consequent risk that those products be granted access to the market.

| (48) | On the basis of the information retrieved from the on-spot visits, the Commission considers that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is not in a position to guarantee the transparency of its markets in a way to allow the traceability of fish or fish products as required in point 71 of the IPOA IUU and Article 11.1.11 of the FAO Code of Conduct. In that regard, it appears that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines fails to comply with the port State obligation, established in Article 23 of UNFSA, of taking action to promote the effectiveness of international conservation and management measures, including port inspections of documents, gears or catches and the prohibition to land or tranship where it has been established that the catch has been taken in a manner which undermines the effectiveness of international conservation and management measures. |
| --- | --- |

(48)

On the basis of the information retrieved from the on-spot visits, the Commission considers that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is not in a position to guarantee the transparency of its markets in a way to allow the traceability of fish or fish products as required in point 71 of the IPOA IUU and Article 11.1.11 of the FAO Code of Conduct. In that regard, it appears that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines fails to comply with the port State obligation, established in Article 23 of UNFSA, of taking action to promote the effectiveness of international conservation and management measures, including port inspections of documents, gears or catches and the prohibition to land or tranship where it has been established that the catch has been taken in a manner which undermines the effectiveness of international conservation and management measures.

| (49) | In view of the developments occurring after 12 December 2014, the Commission considers, pursuant to Article 31(3) and (4) of the IUU Regulation, that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has failed to discharge its duties under international law as a flag State in respect of IUU fishing carried out or supported by fishing vessels flying its flag or by its nationals and has not taken sufficient action to prevent access of fisheries products stemming from IUU fishing to its market. |
| --- | --- |

(49)

In view of the developments occurring after 12 December 2014, the Commission considers, pursuant to Article 31(3) and (4) of the IUU Regulation, that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has failed to discharge its duties under international law as a flag State in respect of IUU fishing carried out or supported by fishing vessels flying its flag or by its nationals and has not taken sufficient action to prevent access of fisheries products stemming from IUU fishing to its market.

3.2.   Failure to cooperate and to enforce (Article 31(5) of the IUU Regulation)

Failure to cooperate and to enforce (Article 31(5) of the IUU Regulation)

| (50) | As described in recital 20 of the Decision of 12 December 2014, the Commission analysed whether Saint Vincent and the Grenadines cooperated effectively with the Commission on investigations and associated activities and concluded that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines fisheries has not provided to the Commission any information or reply on how it will address the deficiencies in its fisheries management system identified during the Commission's visit.After the Decision of 12 December 2014, the Commission found that the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines authorities did not react to the Commission cooperation requests in relation to the illegal fishing activities of the vessels Asian Warrior and Gotland. Based on the information gathered by the Commission, it was established that this lack of cooperation also affected requests for assistance sent by Member States and third countries to the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines authorities in the context of investigations and associated activities. |
| --- | --- |

(50)

As described in recital 20 of the Decision of 12 December 2014, the Commission analysed whether Saint Vincent and the Grenadines cooperated effectively with the Commission on investigations and associated activities and concluded that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines fisheries has not provided to the Commission any information or reply on how it will address the deficiencies in its fisheries management system identified during the Commission's visit.After the Decision of 12 December 2014, the Commission found that the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines authorities did not react to the Commission cooperation requests in relation to the illegal fishing activities of the vessels Asian Warrior and Gotland. Based on the information gathered by the Commission, it was established that this lack of cooperation also affected requests for assistance sent by Member States and third countries to the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines authorities in the context of investigations and associated activities.

| (51) | Furthermore, the documents submitted to the Commission in relation to the Action Plan following the Decision of 12 December 2014 did not translate into any concrete action. |
| --- | --- |

(51)

Furthermore, the documents submitted to the Commission in relation to the Action Plan following the Decision of 12 December 2014 did not translate into any concrete action.

| (52) | In addition, when assessing whether Saint Vincent and the Grenadines complied with its obligations as a flag State, the Commission also analysed whether it cooperated with other States in the fight against IUU fishing. |
| --- | --- |

(52)

In addition, when assessing whether Saint Vincent and the Grenadines complied with its obligations as a flag State, the Commission also analysed whether it cooperated with other States in the fight against IUU fishing.

| (53) | Based on the information retrieved during the on-spot visits on May 2014 and February 2016 and from the authorities of third coastal countries, the Commission established that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines flagged vessels operating in the ICCAT area land and tranship in Trinidad and Tobago ports. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines authorities acknowledged that their government did not formally cooperate with the authorities of Trinidad and Tobago. No progress has been made in this respect since the Commission Decision of 12 December 2014. |
| --- | --- |

(53)

Based on the information retrieved during the on-spot visits on May 2014 and February 2016 and from the authorities of third coastal countries, the Commission established that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines flagged vessels operating in the ICCAT area land and tranship in Trinidad and Tobago ports. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines authorities acknowledged that their government did not formally cooperate with the authorities of Trinidad and Tobago. No progress has been made in this respect since the Commission Decision of 12 December 2014.

| (54) | The situation described in recital 53 indicates that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines failed to cooperate and coordinate activities with third countries, where Saint Vincent and the Grenadines flagged vessels land or tranship, in order to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU fishing as required by point 28 of the IPOA IUU. Furthermore, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has not entered into agreements or arrangements with other States and otherwise cooperate for the enforcement of applicable laws and conservation and management measures or provisions adopted at a national, regional or global level, as established in point 31 of the IPOA IUU. |
| --- | --- |

(54)

The situation described in recital 53 indicates that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines failed to cooperate and coordinate activities with third countries, where Saint Vincent and the Grenadines flagged vessels land or tranship, in order to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU fishing as required by point 28 of the IPOA IUU. Furthermore, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has not entered into agreements or arrangements with other States and otherwise cooperate for the enforcement of applicable laws and conservation and management measures or provisions adopted at a national, regional or global level, as established in point 31 of the IPOA IUU.

| (55) | As explained in recital 25 of the Decision of 12 December 2014, the Commission also analysed whether Saint Vincent and the Grenadines had taken effective enforcement measures in respect of operators responsible for IUU fishing and whether sanctions of sufficient severity to deprive the offenders of the benefits accruing from their IUU fishing activities had been applied. Available evidence confirms that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has not fulfilled its obligations under international law with respect to effective enforcement measures. |
| --- | --- |

(55)

As explained in recital 25 of the Decision of 12 December 2014, the Commission also analysed whether Saint Vincent and the Grenadines had taken effective enforcement measures in respect of operators responsible for IUU fishing and whether sanctions of sufficient severity to deprive the offenders of the benefits accruing from their IUU fishing activities had been applied. Available evidence confirms that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has not fulfilled its obligations under international law with respect to effective enforcement measures.

| (56) | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has not developed any national strategy on monitoring, control and surveillance of its fishing fleet, inspections and observer schemes. As highlighted in recital 27 of the Decision of 12 December 2014, during the on-spot visit in May 2014 the Commission could observe that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was not in a position to monitor its vessels operating in the high seas, in third countries' waters or calling in third countries ports. During the on-spot visit of February 2016, the Commission could verify that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines had not remedy the deficient monitoring of the fleet and therefore failed to fulfil Article 94 of Unclos which provides that a flag State assumes jurisdiction under its internal law over each ship flying its flag and its master, officers and crew. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is also in breach with Article 18(3) UNFSA which stipulates measures to be taken by a State in respect of vessels flying its flag. Furthermore, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines does not fulfil its compliance and enforcement obligations as a flag State stipulated in Article 19 of the UNFSA since it has failed to demonstrate that it acted and operated in accordance with the detailed rules laid down in that Article. |
| --- | --- |

(56)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has not developed any national strategy on monitoring, control and surveillance of its fishing fleet, inspections and observer schemes. As highlighted in recital 27 of the Decision of 12 December 2014, during the on-spot visit in May 2014 the Commission could observe that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was not in a position to monitor its vessels operating in the high seas, in third countries' waters or calling in third countries ports. During the on-spot visit of February 2016, the Commission could verify that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines had not remedy the deficient monitoring of the fleet and therefore failed to fulfil Article 94 of Unclos which provides that a flag State assumes jurisdiction under its internal law over each ship flying its flag and its master, officers and crew. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is also in breach with Article 18(3) UNFSA which stipulates measures to be taken by a State in respect of vessels flying its flag. Furthermore, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines does not fulfil its compliance and enforcement obligations as a flag State stipulated in Article 19 of the UNFSA since it has failed to demonstrate that it acted and operated in accordance with the detailed rules laid down in that Article.

| (57) | The legal framework for the management of the fleet of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, which is based on the 2001 High Seas Act and 2003 High Seas Fishing Regulation, does not include a definition of IUU fishing activities. Furthermore, the current legal framework lacks a definition of serious infringements and a comprehensive list of serious offences to be addressed with proportionate severe sanctions. Hence, the sanction system in its current form is not comprehensive and adequate in severity to achieve its deterrent function. The treatment of infringements and serious infringements is not adequate to secure compliance, to discourage violations wherever they occur, and to deprive offenders of the benefits accruing from their illegal activities, as required by point 21 of the IPOA IUU and point 38 of the FAO Guidelines for Flag State Performance. |
| --- | --- |

(57)

The legal framework for the management of the fleet of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, which is based on the 2001 High Seas Act and 2003 High Seas Fishing Regulation, does not include a definition of IUU fishing activities. Furthermore, the current legal framework lacks a definition of serious infringements and a comprehensive list of serious offences to be addressed with proportionate severe sanctions. Hence, the sanction system in its current form is not comprehensive and adequate in severity to achieve its deterrent function. The treatment of infringements and serious infringements is not adequate to secure compliance, to discourage violations wherever they occur, and to deprive offenders of the benefits accruing from their illegal activities, as required by point 21 of the IPOA IUU and point 38 of the FAO Guidelines for Flag State Performance.

| (58) | As highlighted in recitals 30 and 31 of the Decision of 12 December 2014, the level of development of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines cannot be considered as a factor undermining the capacity of the competent authorities to cooperate with other countries and pursue enforcement actions. The evaluation of the specific constraints on the development is further described in recitals 66 to 67 of the present Decision. |
| --- | --- |

(58)

As highlighted in recitals 30 and 31 of the Decision of 12 December 2014, the level of development of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines cannot be considered as a factor undermining the capacity of the competent authorities to cooperate with other countries and pursue enforcement actions. The evaluation of the specific constraints on the development is further described in recitals 66 to 67 of the present Decision.

| (59) | In view of recitals 19 to 31 of the Decision of 12 December 2014 and the developments after 12 December 2014, the Commission takes the view, pursuant to Article 31(3) and Article 31(5)(a), (b), (c) and (d) of the IUU Regulation, that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has failed to discharge the duties incumbent upon it under international law as a flag State in respect of cooperation and enforcement efforts. |
| --- | --- |

(59)

In view of recitals 19 to 31 of the Decision of 12 December 2014 and the developments after 12 December 2014, the Commission takes the view, pursuant to Article 31(3) and Article 31(5)(a), (b), (c) and (d) of the IUU Regulation, that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has failed to discharge the duties incumbent upon it under international law as a flag State in respect of cooperation and enforcement efforts.

3.3.   Failure to implement international rules (Article 31(6) of the IUU Regulation)

Failure to implement international rules (Article 31(6) of the IUU Regulation)

| (60) | As described in the recitals 34 to 39 of the Decision of 12 December 2014, the Commission carried out an analysis on the information deemed relevant from available data published by Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) and in particular by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). In addition the Commission carried out an analysis on the information deemed relevant with respect to the status of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines as a contracting Party to ICCAT following the Decision of 12 December 2014. |
| --- | --- |

(60)

As described in the recitals 34 to 39 of the Decision of 12 December 2014, the Commission carried out an analysis on the information deemed relevant from available data published by Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) and in particular by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). In addition the Commission carried out an analysis on the information deemed relevant with respect to the status of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines as a contracting Party to ICCAT following the Decision of 12 December 2014.

| (61) | It is to be noted that the fleet of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines targets tuna and other highly migratory species in the ICCAT area. In doing so, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines should cooperate with ICCAT, the RFMO competent in that area and for those species. However, despite the fact that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a contracting party to ICCAT, the country is not fulfilling the duty, incumbent upon it as a flag State in accordance with Article 117 of Unclos, to adopt, with respect to its nationals, measures for the conservation of the living resources of the high seas. |
| --- | --- |

(61)

It is to be noted that the fleet of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines targets tuna and other highly migratory species in the ICCAT area. In doing so, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines should cooperate with ICCAT, the RFMO competent in that area and for those species. However, despite the fact that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a contracting party to ICCAT, the country is not fulfilling the duty, incumbent upon it as a flag State in accordance with Article 117 of Unclos, to adopt, with respect to its nationals, measures for the conservation of the living resources of the high seas.

| (62) | As indicated in recitals 35 to 38, between 2011 and 2013 ICCAT issued various letters addressed to the authorities of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. After the Decision of 12 December 2014, ICCAT submitted again in 2016 a letter of concern to the authorities of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines stressing the deficiencies identified in the ICCAT meeting in 2015, namely the late submission of (i) the annual report, (ii) the North Atlantic swordfish management plan and (iii) the compliance tables. In that letter ICCAT also requested the authorities of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to provide further information on the country's implementation of ICCAT Recommendation 12-05 on compliance with existing measures on shark conservation and management. Furthermore, ICCAT reported the lack of response to the letters of concern. |
| --- | --- |

(62)

As indicated in recitals 35 to 38, between 2011 and 2013 ICCAT issued various letters addressed to the authorities of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. After the Decision of 12 December 2014, ICCAT submitted again in 2016 a letter of concern to the authorities of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines stressing the deficiencies identified in the ICCAT meeting in 2015, namely the late submission of (i) the annual report, (ii) the North Atlantic swordfish management plan and (iii) the compliance tables. In that letter ICCAT also requested the authorities of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to provide further information on the country's implementation of ICCAT Recommendation 12-05 on compliance with existing measures on shark conservation and management. Furthermore, ICCAT reported the lack of response to the letters of concern.

| (63) | Finally, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has not adopted a National Plan of Action to fight against IUU Fishing as recommended in point 25 of the IPOA IUU. |
| --- | --- |

(63)

Finally, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has not adopted a National Plan of Action to fight against IUU Fishing as recommended in point 25 of the IPOA IUU.

| (64) | As indicated in recital 39 of the Decision of 12 December 2014, the Ministry for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is not in a position to ensure the genuine link between the State and the vessels flagged to the country as required by 91 of Unclos. |
| --- | --- |

(64)

As indicated in recital 39 of the Decision of 12 December 2014, the Ministry for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is not in a position to ensure the genuine link between the State and the vessels flagged to the country as required by 91 of Unclos.

| (65) | In view of the recitals 35 to 39 of the Decision of 12 December 2014 and the subsequent developments, the Commission considers, pursuant to Article 31(3) and (6) of the IUU Regulation, that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has failed to discharge the duties incumbent upon it under international law with respect to international rules, regulations as well as conservation and management measures. |
| --- | --- |

(65)

In view of the recitals 35 to 39 of the Decision of 12 December 2014 and the subsequent developments, the Commission considers, pursuant to Article 31(3) and (6) of the IUU Regulation, that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has failed to discharge the duties incumbent upon it under international law with respect to international rules, regulations as well as conservation and management measures.

3.4.   Specific constraints of developing countries (Article 31(7) of the IUU Regulation)

Specific constraints of developing countries (Article 31(7) of the IUU Regulation)

| (66) | It is recalled that according to the United Nations Human Development Index (8), Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is considered as a high human development country (97th in 188 countries). It is also recalled that, according to Regulation (EC) No 1905/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council (9), Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is listed in the category of Upper Middle Income Countries and Territories. |
| --- | --- |

(66)

It is recalled that according to the United Nations Human Development Index (8), Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is considered as a high human development country (97th in 188 countries). It is also recalled that, according to Regulation (EC) No 1905/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council (9), Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is listed in the category of Upper Middle Income Countries and Territories.

8

9

| (67) | As described in recital 42 of the Decision of 12 December 2014, no corroborating evidence has been found to suggest that the failure of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to discharge its duties under international law is the result of development constraints. In the same manner, no concrete evidence exists to correlate the revealed shortcomings in respect of the monitoring, control and surveillance of fishing activities with the lack of capacities and infrastructure. In this respect it is noted that the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines authorities have not invoked any argument on development constraints and argued that its administration has a good overall efficiency level. |
| --- | --- |

(67)

As described in recital 42 of the Decision of 12 December 2014, no corroborating evidence has been found to suggest that the failure of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to discharge its duties under international law is the result of development constraints. In the same manner, no concrete evidence exists to correlate the revealed shortcomings in respect of the monitoring, control and surveillance of fishing activities with the lack of capacities and infrastructure. In this respect it is noted that the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines authorities have not invoked any argument on development constraints and argued that its administration has a good overall efficiency level.

| (68) | In view of recitals 41, 42 and 43 of the Decision of 12 December 2014 and the developments after 12 December 2014, the Commission takes the view, pursuant to Article 31(7) of the IUU Regulation, that the overall performance of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines with respect to fisheries are not impaired by its level of development. |
| --- | --- |

(68)

In view of recitals 41, 42 and 43 of the Decision of 12 December 2014 and the developments after 12 December 2014, the Commission takes the view, pursuant to Article 31(7) of the IUU Regulation, that the overall performance of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines with respect to fisheries are not impaired by its level of development.

4.   CONCLUSION ON THE IDENTIFICATION AS A NON-COOPERATING THIRD COUNTRY

CONCLUSION ON THE IDENTIFICATION AS A NON-COOPERATING THIRD COUNTRY

| (69) | In view of the conclusions reached with regard to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines' failure to discharge its duties under international law as flag, port, coastal or market State and to take action to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU fishing, that country should be identified, in accordance with Article 31 of the IUU Regulation, as a non-cooperating third country in fighting against IUU fishing. |
| --- | --- |

(69)

In view of the conclusions reached with regard to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines' failure to discharge its duties under international law as flag, port, coastal or market State and to take action to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU fishing, that country should be identified, in accordance with Article 31 of the IUU Regulation, as a non-cooperating third country in fighting against IUU fishing.

| (70) | Having regard to Article 18(1)(g) of the IUU Regulation, the competent authorities of the Member States are bound to refuse the importation into the Union of fishery products without having to request any additional evidence or send a request for assistance to the flag State where they become aware that the catch certificate has been validated by the authorities of a flag State identified as a non-cooperating State in accordance with Article 31 of that Regulation. |
| --- | --- |

(70)

Having regard to Article 18(1)(g) of the IUU Regulation, the competent authorities of the Member States are bound to refuse the importation into the Union of fishery products without having to request any additional evidence or send a request for assistance to the flag State where they become aware that the catch certificate has been validated by the authorities of a flag State identified as a non-cooperating State in accordance with Article 31 of that Regulation.

| (71) | It should be stated that the identification of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines as a country the Commission considers to be non-cooperating does not preclude any subsequent step taken by the Commission or the Council for the purpose of establishing a list of non-cooperating countries. |
| --- | --- |

(71)

It should be stated that the identification of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines as a country the Commission considers to be non-cooperating does not preclude any subsequent step taken by the Commission or the Council for the purpose of establishing a list of non-cooperating countries.

5.   COMMITTEE PROCEDURE

COMMITTEE PROCEDURE

| (72) | The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Committee for Fisheries and Aquaculture, |
| --- | --- |

(72)

The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Committee for Fisheries and Aquaculture,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is identified as a third country that the Commission considers as a non-cooperating third country in fighting illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

Article 2

This Decision shall enter into force on the day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Done at Brussels, 23 May 2017.

For the Commission

The President

Jean-Claude JUNCKER

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(1)  
  OJ L 286, 29.10.2008, p. 1.

1

(2)  Commission Decision of 12 December 2014 notifying a third country that the Commission considers as possible of being identified as non-cooperating third countries pursuant to Council Regulation (EC) No 1005/2008 establishing a Community system to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (OJ C 453, 17.12.2014, p. 5).

2

(3)  http://www.lesoleil.sn/2016-03-22-23-21-32/item/53178-peche-illicite-dans-les-eaux-senegalaise-en-fuite-le-navire-gotland-imo-arraisonne-en-espagne.html

3

(4)  See Interpol Purple Notice No 248 of 13 January 2015, https://www.ccamlr.org/en/compliance/non-contracting-party-iuu-vessel-list and footnote 13.

4

(5)  See footnote 3.

5

(6)  Act No 2015-18 of 13 July 2015.

6

(7)  See footnote 3.

7

(8)  Information retrieved from http://hdr.undp.org/en/statistics

8

(9)  Regulation (EC) No 1905/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 establishing a financing instrument for development cooperation (OJ L 378, 27.12.2006, p. 41).

9

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| 30.5.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 139/78 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

30.5.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 139/78

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COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DECISION (EU) 2017/919

of 29 May 2017

amending Implementing Decision (EU) 2016/1942 on the specifications of the European Investment Project Portal

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Regulation (EU) 2015/1017 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 June 2015 on the European Fund for Strategic Investments, the European Investment Advisory Hub and the European Investment Project Portal and amending Regulations (EU) No 1291/2013 and (EU) No 1316/2013 — the European Fund for Strategic Investments (1), and in particular Article 15(1) thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | Regulation (EU) 2015/1017 entrusts the Commission with the responsibility to create, with the support of the European Investment Bank (EIB), a European Investment Project Portal (EIPP). The EIPP is a publicly available web portal of investment projects which acts as a platform to promote projects to potential investors worldwide. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Regulation (EU) 2015/1017 entrusts the Commission with the responsibility to create, with the support of the European Investment Bank (EIB), a European Investment Project Portal (EIPP). The EIPP is a publicly available web portal of investment projects which acts as a platform to promote projects to potential investors worldwide.

| (2) | The specifications of the EIPP have been set out in Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2016/1942 (2). |
| --- | --- |

(2)

The specifications of the EIPP have been set out in Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2016/1942 (2).

| (3) | Experience gained in managing the EIPP indicates that certain provisions should be amended, especially to attract more projects from smaller project promoters, SMEs and mid-caps, in line with the objective of the European Union to support the SMEs and entrepreneurship. Therefore the minimum project cost should be lowered from EUR 5 million to EUR 1 million. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

Experience gained in managing the EIPP indicates that certain provisions should be amended, especially to attract more projects from smaller project promoters, SMEs and mid-caps, in line with the objective of the European Union to support the SMEs and entrepreneurship. Therefore the minimum project cost should be lowered from EUR 5 million to EUR 1 million.

| (4) | To increase the attractiveness of the EIPP and to alleviate the charge supported by project promoters in a non-discriminatory manner and thus to give the EIPP an impetus for a higher number of published projects, the application processing fee should not be charged to any project promoters. The project screening set out in Section 3 of the Annex to Implementing Decision (EU) 2016/1942 should remain in place to ensure the publication of quality projects on the EIPP, |
| --- | --- |

(4)

To increase the attractiveness of the EIPP and to alleviate the charge supported by project promoters in a non-discriminatory manner and thus to give the EIPP an impetus for a higher number of published projects, the application processing fee should not be charged to any project promoters. The project screening set out in Section 3 of the Annex to Implementing Decision (EU) 2016/1942 should remain in place to ensure the publication of quality projects on the EIPP,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

Implementing Decision (EU) 2016/1942 is amended as follows:

| (1) | In Article 2, point (a) is replaced by the following:






  ‘(a) | the project (or the programme consisting of smaller projects) shall have a minimum total project cost of EUR 1 000 000;’; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(1)

In Article 2, point (a) is replaced by the following:

‘(a)

| (2) | Article 3 is replaced by the following:

  ‘Article 3
  No application processing fee shall be charged.’; |
| --- | --- |

(2)

Article 3 is replaced by the following:

‘Article 3

No application processing fee shall be charged.’;

| (3) | Section 4 of the Annex is deleted. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

Section 4 of the Annex is deleted.

Article 2

This Decision shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Done at Brussels, 29 May 2017.

For the Commission

The President

Jean-Claude JUNCKER

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(1)  
  OJ L 169, 1.7.2015, p. 1.

1

(2)  Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2016/1942 of 4 November 2016 on the specifications of the European Investment Project Portal and repealing Implementing Decision (EU) 2015/1214 (OJ L 299, 5.11.2016, p. 86).

2

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