Introductory text

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 on measures to be taken and procedures to be followed for the implementation of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement signed in Cotonou on 23 June 2000^f1, hereinafter referred to as the ‘ACP-EC Agreement’, and in particular Article 3 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Whereas:

By Decision 2002/148/EC^f2, the consultations held with the Republic of Zimbabwe under Article 96(2)(c) of the ACP-EC Agreement were concluded and the appropriate measures specified in the letter attached to that Decision were taken.

The period of application of the said measures was extended until 20 February 2004 by Decision 2003/112/EC^f3 and until 20 February 2005 by Decision 2004/157/EC^f4.

The essential elements cited in Article 9 of the ACP-EC Agreement continue to be violated by the Government of Zimbabwe and the current conditions in Zimbabwe do not ensure respect for human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law.

The period of application of the measures referred to in Article 2 of Decision 2002/148/EC should therefore be extended,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: