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 ACP-EC Partnership Agreement signed in Cotonou on 23 June 2000^f1, (hereinafter referred to as the ACP-EC Agreement),

Having regard to the internal agreement between the representatives of the governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, on measures to be taken and procedures to be followed for the implementation of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement^f2, and in particular, Article 3 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Whereas:

Council Decision 2002/274/EC of 25 March 2002 concluding consultations with Liberia under Articles 96 and 97 of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement^f3 provides for the adoption of appropriate measures within the meaning of Articles 96(2)(c) and 97(3) of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement.

Council Decision 2003/631/EC of 25 August 2003 adopting measures concerning Liberia under Article 96 of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement in a case of special urgency^f4 provides for the adoption of further appropriate measures within the meaning of Article 96(2)(b)(c) of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement.

Council Decision 2005/16/EC^f5, which amends Decision 2003/631/EC, extends the validity of these measures to 30 June 2006.

The measures undertaken by the Liberian government in a very difficult budgetary situation attest to its determination to make headway in line with the principles of good governance, respect for human rights and the rule of law.

It is therefore convenient to lift the appropriate measures concerned, adopted under Article 96 of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: