2003/631/EC: Council Decision of 25 August 2003 adopting measures concerning Liberia under Article 96 of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement in a case of special urgency

Council Decision
of 25 August 2003
adopting measures concerning Liberia under Article 96 of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement in a case of special urgency
(2003/631/EC)
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular the second subparagraph of Article 300(2) thereof,
Having regard to the internal agreement between the representatives of the governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, on measures to be taken and procedures to be followed for the implementation of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement(1), and in particular, Article 3 thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,
Whereas:
(1) Council Decision 2002/274/EC of 25 March 2002 concluding consultations with Liberia under Articles 96 and 97 of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement(2) provides for the adoption of the appropriate measures within the meaning of Article 96(2)(c) and of Article 97(3) of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement.
(2) The essential elements cited in Article 9 of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement continue to be violated by the Government of Liberia and the current conditions in Liberia do not ensure respect for human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law.
(3) The political and security situation in Liberia has deteriorated dramatically since the date of adoption of Decision 2002/274/EC. This situation constitutes therefore a case of special urgency within the meaning of Article 96(2)(b) of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement.
(4) It is consequently necessary to review the conditions under which funds set aside for Liberia can be made available in order to allow support to the peace process in Liberia in particular through possible support to peacekeeping operations, a demobilisation and reintegration programme, institution building and restoring democratic structures,