Introductory text

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 866/2004 of 29 April 2004 on a regime under Article 2 of Protocol 10 to the Act of Accession^f1, and in particular Article 4(9) thereof,

Whereas:

Pending the reunification of Cyprus, Article 1(1) of Protocol 10 to the Act of Accession suspends the application of the acquis in the areas of the Republic of Cyprus in which the Government of the Republic of Cyprus does not exercise effective control.

For public and animal health reasons, Regulation (EC) No 866/2004 prohibits the movement of animal products across the line between those areas of the Republic of Cyprus in which the Government of the Republic of Cyprus does not exercise effective control, to areas in which it does.

As a first step and in the light of production in areas of the Republic of Cyprus in which the Government of the Republic of Cyprus does not exercise effective control, prohibitions can be lifted for fresh fish and honey.

It is necessary to ensure that public and animal health are not compromised by the lifting of the prohibitions. It is also necessary to guarantee food safety in accordance with Commission Regulation (EC) No 1480/2004^f2 which lays down specific rules concerning goods arriving from the areas of the Republic of Cyprus not under the effective control of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus, in the areas of the Republic of Cyprus in which the Government exercises effective control. Accordingly, trade in the products concerned should be subject to certain conditions.

The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: