22.5.2002 Official Journal of the European Communities L 134/37 II (Acts whose publication is not obligatory) COUNCIL COUNCIL DECISION of 22 April 2002 on the conclusion of the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters concerning the provisional application of the Protocol defining, for the period 18 January 2002 to 17 January 2005, the fishing possibilities and the financial contribution provided for by the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Republic of Seychelles on fishing off Seychelles (2002/374[EC) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 300(2) thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission Whereas: (1) Under the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Republic of Seychelles on fishing off Seychelles (), signed in Brussels on 28 October 1987, the Contracting Parties have held negotiations with a view to determining amendments to be made to the abovementioned Agreement at the end of the period of application of the Protocol in force which is attached to the said Agreement. (2)  As a result of those negotiations, a new Protocol defining, for the period from 18 January 2002 to 17 January 2005, the fishing possibilities and the financial contribution provided for by the abovementioned Agreement was initialled on 28 September 2001. (3)  Under this Protocol, Community fishermen are to enjoy fishing possibilities in the waters falling within the sovereignty or jurisdiction of the Republic of Seychelles for the period 18 January 2002 to 17 January 2005. (4 In order to avoid interruption of fishing activities by Community vessels, both parties have initialled an Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters providing for the provisional application of the said Protocol from 18 January 2002. (5)  The method for allocating the fishing possibilities among the Member States should be defined on the basis of the traditional allocation of fishing possibilities under the Fisheries Agreement, HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: Article 1 The Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters concerning the provisional application of the Protocol defining, for the period 18 January 2002 to 17 January 2005, 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 is hereby approved on behalf of the Community. The texts of the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters and of the Protocol are attached to this Decision. () OJ L 119, 7.5.1987, p. 26.