Introductory text

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 215 thereof,

Having regard to Council Decision 2010/129/CFSP of 1 March 2010 amending Common Position 2008/109/CFSP concerning restrictive measures imposed against Liberia^f1,

Having regard to the joint proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the European Commission,

Whereas:

Council Common Position 2004/137/CFSP of 10 February 2004 concerning restrictive measures against Liberia^f2 provided for the implementation of the measures set out in UN Security Council Resolution 1521 (2003), including a ban on technical assistance related to military activities. It also provided for a ban on financial assistance related to military activities. Pursuant to that Common Position, Council Regulation (EC) No 234/2004^f3 imposes a general ban on the provision of technical assistance, financing or financial assistance related to military activities, to any person, entity or body in, or for use in, Liberia.

On 12 February 2008, the Council adopted Common Position 2008/109/CFSP^f4 which confirmed those measures, and consolidated them with other relevant measures into a single legal act.

On 17 December 2009, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1903 (2009) which amended the UN restrictive measures on arms and related materiel and the provision of assistance, advice and training related to military activities by confining the effect of those restrictive measures to non-governmental entities and individuals operating in the territory of Liberia. Pursuant to that Resolution, Common Position 2008/109/CFSP was amended by Decision 2010/129/CFSP.

Regulation (EC) No 234/2004 should be amended accordingly.

Any processing of personal data of natural persons under this Regulation should respect Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2000 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data by the Community institutions and bodies and on the free movement of such data^f5 and Directive 95/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 October 1995 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data^f6,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: