A4-0271/96

Proposal for a Council Regulation on the conclusion of the Protocol defining, for the period from 18 January 1996 to 17 January 1999, the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for by the Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Seychelles on fishing off Seychelles (COM(96)0131 - C4-0268/96 - 96/0089(CNS))

The proposal was approved with the following amendments:

(Amendment 1)

Recital 2a (new)

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Whereas, with a view to keeping the budgetary authority better informed about the implementation of the Protocol, the Commission shall submit every year, before 1 May, a report on the progress made in its implementation, accompanied by an updated financial statement;

(Amendment 2)

Recital 2b (new)

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Whereas, in accordance with the Interinstitutional Agreement of 29 October 1993 on budgetary discipline, expenditure relating to this Protocol is non- compulsory;

(Amendment 3)

Recital 3a (new)

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Whereas all the States bordering the Indian Ocean, like the other countries which fish in those waters, must commit themselves to ensuring the conservation and sustainable management of fish stocks;

(Amendment 4)

Article 2a (new)

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Article 2a

The Community undertakes to play an active part in the management and conservation of the Indian Ocean's fish stocks, particularly with regard to the work of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission, which must become operational as soon as possible.

(Amendment 5)

Article 2b(1) (new)

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Article 2b

1. In the course of the last year of the Protocol's application, and before the start of negotiations on its possible renewal, the Commission shall submit to the Council and the European Parliament a general assessment report.

(Amendment 6)

Article 2b(2) (new)

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2. The Council shall, on the basis of that report and taking account of the European Parliament's opinion thereon, authorize the Commission, where appropriate, to start negotiations with a view to the adoption of a new Protocol.

Legislative resolution embodying Parliament's opinion on the proposal for a Council Regulation on the conclusion of the Protocol defining, for the period from 18 January 1996 to 17 January 1999, the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for by the Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Seychelles on fishing off Seychelles (COM(96)0131 - C4-0268/96 - 96/0089(CNS))

(Consultation procedure)

The European Parliament,

- having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council, COM(96)0131 - 96/0089(CNS),

- having been consulted by the Council pursuant to Articles 43 and 228(2) and (3), first subparagraph, of the EC Treaty (C4-0268/96),

- having regard to Rule 58 of its Rules of Procedure,

- having regard to the report of the Committee on Fisheries and the opinions of the Committee on Budgets and the Committee on Development and Cooperation (A4-0271/96),

1. Approves the Commission proposal, subject to Parliament's amendments;

2. Calls on the Council to notify Parliament should it intend to depart from the text approved by Parliament;

3. Asks to be consulted again should the Council intend to make substantial modifications to the Commission proposal;

4. Instructs its President to forward this opinion to the Council and the Commission.