20.2.2003 Official Journal of the European Union L 46/25 (Acts whose publication is not obligatory) COUNCIL COUNCIL DECISION of 18 February 2003 extending the period of application of the measures in Decision 2002/148/EC concluding consulta- tions with Zimbabwe under Article 96 of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement (2003/112/EC) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Commu- nity, and in particular Article 300(2), second subparagraph 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 the Deci- sion 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) By Council Decision 2002/148/EC (3, the consultations with the Republic of Zimbabwe under Article 96(2)(c) of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement (}) were concluded and appropriate measures, as specified in the Annex to that Decision were taken. 2)  In accordance with the third paragraph of Article 2 of that Decision, the measures will cease to apply on 21 February 2003. (3)  The essential elements cited in Article 9 of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement continue to be violated by the Government of Zimbabwe and the current conditions in Zimbabwe do not ensure respect for human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law. 0J L 317, 15.12.2000, p. 376. () OJ L 50, 21.2.2002, p. 64. 0J L 317, 15.12.2000, p. 3. (4)  The period of application of the measures should there- fore be extended, HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: Atrticle 1 The application of the measures referred to in Article 2 of Deci- sion 2002/148/EC shall be extended for a further period of 12 months, until 20 February 2004. They shall be reviewed regu- larly and at least within six months. The letter appearing in the Annex to this Decision shall be addressed to the President of Zimbabwe. Article 2 This Decision shall enter into force on the day of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. Done at Brussels, 18 February 2003. For the Council The President N. CHRISTODOULAKIS