13.4.2002 Official Journal of the European Communities L 96/23 (Acts whose publication is not obligatory) COUNCIL COUNCIL DECISION of 25 March 2002 concluding consultations with Liberia under Articles 96 and 97 of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement (2002/274[EC) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community and in particular the second subparagraph of Article 300(2) 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 ('), as put into provisional application by the 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 Government of Liberia has acted on a number of occasions in ways that amount to a failure to fulfil its obligations stemming from the essential elements of Article 9 of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement. It has also acted in violation of good governance requirements as serious cases of corruption can be identified. (2)  Consultations under Articles 96 and 97 of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement were held on 9 November 2001 with Liberia, at which the Liberian authorities explained their point of view and made specific commitments particularly as regards the human rights situation, demo- cratic principles, the rule of law and good governance. (3)  Some positive steps have recently been taken to meet these commitments. Nevertheless, more substantial action to address all the commitments and to uphold the () O L 317, 15.12.2000, p. 376. situation in a sustainable manner still needs to be under- taken, HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: Article 1 Consultations with Liberia under Articles 96 and 97 of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement are hereby concluded. Atticle 2 The measures specified in the annexed draft letter are hereby adopted as appropriate measures within the meaning of Article 96(2)(c) and of Article 97(3) of the ACP-EC Partnership Agree- ment. These measures will expire two years after the date on which the Council adopts this Decision. Article 3 This Decision takes effect on the day of its adoption. Atrticle 4 This Decision shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Communities. Done at Brussels, 25 March 2002. For the Council The President A. M. BIRULES Y BERTRAN