Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters

on the provisional application of the Protocol defining, for the period 3 December 1999 to 2 December 2002, the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for by the Agreement between the European Community and the Government of Mauritius on fishing in the waters of Mauritius

A. Letter from the Government of Mauritius

Sir,

With reference to the Protocol, initialled on 3 December 1999, defining the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution for the period 3 December 1999 to 2 December 2002, I have the honour to inform you that the Government of Mauritius is willing to apply the Protocol provisionally from 3 December 1999 pending its entry into force in accordance with Article 6 thereof, provided that the European Community is prepared to do likewise.

This is on the understanding that the first instalment, equal to one third of the financial compensation laid down by Article 2 of the Protocol, must be paid before 2 June 2000.

I should be grateful if you would confirm the agreement of the European Community to such a provisional application.

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

For the Government of Mauritius

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 3 December 1999, defining the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution for the period 3 December 1999 to 2 December 2002, I have the honour to inform you that the Government of Mauritius is willing to apply the Protocol provisionally from 3 December 1999 pending its entry into force in accordance with Article 6 thereof, provided that the European Community is prepared to do likewise.

This is on the understanding that the first instalment, equal to one third of the financial compensation laid down by Article 2 of the Protocol, must be paid before 2 June 2000.

I should be grateful if you would confirm the agreement of the European Community to such a provisional application."

I am pleased to confirm the agreement of the European Community to a provisional application.

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

For the Council of the European Union