AGREEMENT in the form of an Exchange of Letters between the European Community and the Islamic Federal Republic of the Comoros concerning the provisional application of the Protocol setting out, for the period 28 February 1998 to 27 February 2001, the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Islamic Federal Republic of the Comoros on fishing off the Comoros

A. Letter from the Government of the Islamic Federal Republic of the Comoros

Sir,

With reference to the Protocol initialled on 27 February 1998 setting out, for the period from 28 February 1998 to 27 February 2001, the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Islamic Federal Republic of the Comoros on fishing off the Comoros, I have the honour to inform you that the Government of the Islamic Federal Republic of the Comoros is prepared to apply the Protocol on a provisional basis with effect from 28 February 1998, pending its entry into force in accordance with Article 7 of the said Protocol, provided that the European Community is disposed to do the same.

In this case, the first annual financial compensation stipulated in Article 2 of the Protocol must be paid before 1 September 1998.

I should be grateful if you would confirm the European Community's agreement with the foregoing.

Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration.

For the Government of the Islamic Federal Republic of the Comoros

B. Letter from the Community

Sir,

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

'With reference to the Protocol initialled on 27 February 1998 setting out, for the period from 28 February 1998 to 27 February 2001, the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Islamic Federal Republic of the Comoros on fishing off the Comoros, I have the honour to inform you that the Government of the Islamic Federal Republic of the Comoros is prepared to apply the Protocol on a provisional basis with effect from 28 February 1998, pending its entry into force in accordance with Article 7 of the said Protocol, provided that the European Community is disposed to do the same.

In this case, the first annual financial compensation stipulated in Article 2 of the Protocol must be paid before 1 September 1998.

I should be grateful if you would confirm the European Community's agreement with the foregoing.`

I have the honour to confirm that the Community is in agreement with the contents of this letter.

Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration.

On behalf of the Council of the European Union