Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters

concerning the provisional application of the Protocol establishing the fishing opportunities and the compensation provided for in the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Government of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau on fishing off the coast of Guinea-Bissau for the period 16 June 2001 to 15 June 2006

A. Letter from the Government of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau

Sir,

With reference to the Protocol initialled on 30 May 2001 establishing the fishing opportunities and the compensation for the period 16 June 2001 to 15 June 2006, I have the honour to inform you that the Government of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau is ready to apply the Protocol on a provisional basis, with effect from 16 June 2001, pending its entry into force in accordance with Article 9 of the Protocol, provided that the Community is prepared to do the same.

This is on the understanding that the first annual instalment of the financial compensation specified in Article 2 of the Protocol is to be paid before 15 January 2002.

I should be obliged if you would confirm the Community's agreement to such provisional application.

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

For the Government of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau

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 30 May 2001 establishing the fishing opportunities and the compensation for the period 16 June 2001 to 15 June 2006, I have the honour to inform you that the Government of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau is ready to apply the Protocol on a provisional basis, with effect from 16 June 2001, pending its entry into force in accordance with Article 9 of the Protocol, provided that the Community is prepared to do the same.

This is on the understanding that the first annual instalment of the financial compensation specified in Article 2 of the Protocol is to be paid before 15 January 2002.

I should be obliged if you would confirm the Community's agreement to such provisional application."

I have the honour to confirm the Community's agreement to such provisional application.

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

On behalf of the Council of the European Union