Attachment

Brussels, 10 August 2006

Dear Sir,

I would like to thank you for your country's offer for a contribution to the European Union military operation in support of the United Nations Organisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) during the election process (Operation EUFOR RD Congo). The offer shall constitute an important contribution to the Operation and I have the pleasure to inform you that the Council of the European Union has decided to accept Switzerland's offer for a contribution to Operation EUFOR RD Congo and to invite your country to be represented in the Committee of Contributors.

As already indicated in my letter of 28 July 2006, Switzerland should conclude an agreement with the European Union on its participation in Operation EUFOR RD Congo. Pending the conclusion of the Draft Agreement between the European Union and the Swiss Confederation establishing a framework for the participation of the Swiss Confederation in the European Union crisis management operations, I would propose that the participation of Switzerland in the operation be governed by the provisions set out in Annex I to this letter.

Should these provisions be agreeable to you, I would suggest that this letter, including Annex I to this letter, and your reply constitute the agreement between the European Union and Switzerland for Switzerland's participation in Operation EUFOR RD Congo, which shall enter into force on the date of signature of your reply.

Accordingly, I also attach in Annex II, on behalf of the European Union Member States, a declaration on the waiver of claims by the European Union Member States. I kindly request that Switzerland make a parallel declaration according to the model set out in that Annex.

Yours faithfully,