L 60/22 Official Journal of the European Union 5.3.2008 (Acts adopted under the EC Treaty/Euratom Treaty whose publication is not obligatory) DECISIONS COUNCIL COUNCIL DECISION of 18 February 2008 on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Maldives on certain aspects of air services (2008/188/EC) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 80(2) in conjunction with the first sentence of the first subparagraph of Article 300(2) and the first subparagraph of Article 300(3) thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament ('), Whereas: (1) By a decision of 5 June 2003 the Council authorised the Commission to open negotiations with third countries on the replacement of certain provisions in existing bilateral agreements by a Community agreement. (2)  On behalf of the Community, the Commission has nego- tiated an Agreement with the Republic of Maldives on certain aspects of air services in accordance with the mechanisms and directives in the Annex to the Decision of 5 June 2003. (3)  The Agreement was signed on behalf of the Community subject to its possible conclusion at a later date, in accordance with Council Decision 2006/695/EC (3). (") Opinion of 12.10.2006 (not yet published in the Official Journal). () O] L 286, 17.10.2006, p. 19. (4)  The Agreement should be approved, HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: Article 1 The Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Maldives on certain aspects of air services is hereby approved on behalf of the Community. Atrticle 2 The President of the Council is hereby authorised to designate the person(s) empowered to make the notification provided for in Article 9(1) of the Agreement. Done at Brussels, 18 February 2008. For the Council The President D. RUPEL