L 50/64 Official Journal of the European Communities 21.2.2002 COUNCIL DECISION of 18 February 2002 concluding consultations with Zimbabwe under Article 96 of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement (2002/148/EC) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 300(2), second subpara- graph, thereof, Having regard to the Internal Agreement on measures to be taken and procedures to be followed for the implementation of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement signed in Cotonou on 23 June 2000 (!), as put into provisional application by Decision of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States of 18 September 2000, and in particular Article 3 thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, Whereas: (1)  The essential elements cited in Article 9 of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement have been violated by the Government of Zimbabwe. (2)  Consultations under Article 96 of the ACP-EC Partner- ship Agreement were held on 11 January 2002 with Zimbabwe, at which the Zimbabwean authorities explained their point of view and made specific commit- ments that are still insufficient as regards ending violence, the holding of free and fair presidential elec- tions on 9 and 10 March 2002, in particular allowing access for international election observers and for the media. (3)  Recent events in Zimbabwe's political development have been taken into consideration, as well as the fact that certain important measures concerning the essential elements of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement have still not been adequately implemented. Restrictive legislation which has been recently adopted and the escalation of violence and intimidation of political opponents seri- () O L 317, 15.12.2000, p. 3. ously undermine the freedom of expression, of associa- tion and of peaceful assembly in Zimbabwe, HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: Article 1 Consultations with the Republic of Zimbabwe under Article 96(2)(c) of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement are hereby concluded. Article 2 The measures specified in the annexed letter are hereby adopted as appropriate measures within the meaning of Article 96(2)(c) of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement. These measures shall be revoked once conditions prevail which ensure respect for human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law. These measures shall apply for a period of twelve months. They shall be reviewed within six months. Article 3 This Decision shall enter into force on the day of its publica- tion in the Official Journal of the European Communities. Done at Brussels, 18 February 2002. For the Council The President J. PIQUE I CAMPS