Attachment

Sir,

I am delighted that the Republic of Seychelles and European Community negotiators have been able to reach a consensus on amendments to the Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution and its Annexes.

The negotiations held in Brussels on 20-21 March 2007 have enabled adjustments to be made to the fishing opportunities provided for in the Protocol setting out, for the period from 18 January 2005 to 17 January 2011, the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for by the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Republic of Seychelles on fishing off Seychelles. The amendments made to this Protocol are annexed hereto. The amended Protocol having been initialled by the two Parties on 21 March 2007, I would propose continuing in parallel the procedures for approval and/or ratification of the texts of the amended Protocol and its Annex and Appendices in accordance with the procedures in force in the Republic of Seychelles and in the European Community and necessary for their entry into force.

In order to avoid interrupting fishing activities by Community vessels in Seychelles waters, and referring to the Protocol amended on 21 March 2007 and setting out, for the period from 18 January 2008 to 17 January 2011, the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution, I have the honour to inform you that the Government of the Republic of Seychelles is willing to apply this amended Protocol provisionally from 18 January 2008 pending its entry into force in accordance with Article 13 of the Protocol, provided that the European Community is prepared to do likewise.

This is on the understanding that the amended financial contribution laid down by Article 2 of the amended Protocol shall be paid when the two Parties notify each other that they have completed the procedures necessary for the entry into force of the Protocol and its amended Annexes.

I should be grateful if you would confirm the agreement of the European Community to such a provisional application.

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