THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement, which entered into force on 1 April 2003, and in particular Article 96 thereof,
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(1), and in particular Article 3 thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,
Whereas:
(1) Council Decision 2002/274/EC of 25 March 2002 concluding consultations with Liberia under Articles 96 and 97 of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement(2), provides for the adoption of the appropriate measures within the meaning of Article 96(2)(c) and of Article 97(3) of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement.
(2) Council Decision 2003/631/EC of 25 August 2003 adopting measures concerning Liberia under Article 96 of the EC-ACP Partnership Agreement in a case of special urgency(3), provides for the adoption of new appropriate measures within the meaning of Article 96(2)(c) and of Article 97(3) of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement.
(3) The current conditions in Liberia do not yet ensure respect for democratic principles, governance and the rule of law.
(4) It is consequently necessary to extend the validity period of the measures provided for in Decision 2003/631/EC and to continue the intensive political dialogue with the Government of Liberia,
HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: