Document ID: 32003D0631

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,
HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:
Article 1
The measures specified in the annexed draft letter addressed to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Liberia are hereby adopted as appropriate measures in a case of special urgency within the meaning of Article 96(2)(b) and (c) of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement. These measures shall expire on 31 December 2004. This date does not preclude any specific expiry date contained in the financial instruments covered by this Decision.
Article 2
The measures taken by the Community referred to in Article 2 of Decision 2002/274/EC shall no longer apply as from the entry into force of this Decision.
The outcome of the consultations as set out in the draft letter annexed to Decision 2002/274/EC shall remain unaffected.
Article 3
This Decision shall enter into force on the day of its adoption.
Article 4
This Decision shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Done at Brussels, 25 August 2003.

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