EN Official Journal of the European Communities L 292/32

AGREEMENT IN THE FORM OF AN EXCHANGE OF LETTERS

between the European Community and the Arab Republic of Egypt on the adjustment of the regime for imports into the Community of oranges originating in and coming from Egypt

Brussels, 4 November 1996.

Sir,

I have the honour to refer to the consultations held between the Egyptian authorities and the services of the European Commission on the implementation of the new WTO commitments following the Uruguay Round.

The aim of these consultations was to grant to Egypt, pending the conclusion of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement and according to Article 22 of the Cooperation Agreement, preferences equivalent to those provided for in the Cooperation Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Arab Republic of Egypt.

It has been agreed that for fresh organges falling within code ex 0805 10:

1. From 1 December to 31 May and for a maximum quantity of 8 000 tonnes, the entry price level from which specific duties will be reduced to zero shall be ECU 273 per tonne.

2. This agreed entry price shall be reduced in the same proportion and at the same pace as the entry prices bound within the WTO.

3. If the entry price of a particular lot is 2 %, 4 %, 6 % or 8 % below the agreed entry price, the specific customs duty shall be 2 %, 4 %, 6 % or 8 % of the agreed entry price as appropriate.

4. If the entry price of a particular lot is below 92 % of the agreed entry price, the specific customs duty bound within the WTO shall apply.

This Agreement shall enter into force upon signature by both parties. It shall be applicable as from 1 December 1996.

I should be grateful if you would kindly inform me whether your governement is in agreement with the above.

Please accept the assurance of my highest consideration.

For the European Community

Brussels, 4 November 1996

Sir,

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

‘I have the honour to refer to the consultations held between the Egyptian authorities and the services of the European Commission on the implementation of the new WTO commitments following the Uruguay Round.

The aim of these consultations was to grant to Egypt, pending the conclusion of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement and according to Article 22 of the Cooperation Agreement, preferences equivalent to those provided for in the Cooperation Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Arab Republic of Egypt.

It has been agreed that for fresh oranges falling within code ex 0805 10:

1. From 1 December to 31 May and for a maximum quantity of 8,000 tonnes, the entry price level from which specific duties will be reduced to zero shall be ECU 273 per tonne.

2. This agreed entry price shall be reduced in the same proportion and at the same pace as the entry prices bound within the WTO.

3. If the entry price of a particular lot is 2 %, 4 %, 6 % or 8 % below the agreed entry price, the specific customs duty shall be 2 %, 4 %, 6 % or 8 % of the agreed entry price as appropriate.

4. If the entry price of a particular lot is below 92 % of the agreed entry price, the specific customs duty bound within the WTO shall apply.

This Agreement shall enter into force upon signature by both parties. It shall be applicable as from 1 December 1996.

I should be grateful if you would kindly inform me whether your government is in agreement with the above.’

I have the honour to confirm that my government is in agreement with the contents of your letter.

Please accept the assurance of my consideration,