Exchange of Letters

between the European Community and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia concerning the suspension of Title II on trade and trade-related provisions of the Cooperation Agreement

A. Letter from the Community

Brussels, 20 November 2000

Sir,

In view of the improved autonomous trade preferences approved by Council Regulation (EC) No 2007/2000 of 18 September 2000 introducing exceptional trade measures for countries and territories participating in or linked to the European Union's stabilisation and association process, amending Regulation (EC) No 2820/98, and repealing Regulations (EC) No 1763/1999 and No 6/2000, it has been agreed between the European Community and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to suspend the provisions of Title II on trade and trade-related provisions, including all related Annexes, of the Cooperation Agreement between the European Community and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia signed by way of Exchange of Letters on 29 April 1997.

Council Regulation (EC) No 2007/2000 of 18 September 2000, as amended by Regulation (EC) No 2563/2000 will therefore regulate, as from the date of application of the latter Regulation, the trade regime between the European Community and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Title II on trade and trade-related provisions, including all related Annexes, of the Cooperation Agreement between the European Community and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, shall cease to apply to the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia at the same date.

The suspension of Title II and all trade-related provisions of the Cooperation Agreement shall cease whenever Regulation (EC) No 2007/2000 will cease to apply to the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

I would be grateful if you could confirm that your Government is in agreement with the above.

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

On behalf of the Council of the European Union

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B. Letter from the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

Skopje, 22 November 2000

Sirs,

I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter, herewith attached, concerning the suspension of Title II on trade and trade-related provisions, including all related Annexes, of the Cooperation Agreement between the Republic of Macedonia and the European Community, signed by way of Exchange of Letters on 29 April 1997.

The Republic of Macedonia has the honour to confirm its agreement with the content of this letter.

The Exchange of Letters should be considered as the confirmation of the Agreement.

However, I declare that the Republic of Macedonia does not accept the denomination used for my country in the abovementioned documents having in view that the constitutional name of my country is the Republic of Macedonia.

For the Government of the Republic of Macedonia

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C. Letter from the European Community

Brussels, 5 December 2000

Sir,

I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 22 November 2000.

The European Community notes that the Exchange of Letters between the President of the Council of the European Union and the Prime Minister of the Government of your country, which suspends the provisions of Title II on trade and trade-related provisions, including the related Annexes, of the Cooperation Agreement signed on 29 April 1997 by way of Exchange of Letters between the European Community and your country, has been completed.

This cannot be construed as acceptance or recognition by the European Union, in any shape or form, of any name other than "Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia".

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

On behalf of the Council of the European Union

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