23.7.2002 Official Journal of the European Communities L 194/1 (Acts whose publication is obligatory) COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 1318/2002 of 22 July 2002 concerning certain restrictive measures in respect of Liberia THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 301 thereof, Having regard to Council Common Position 2001/357CESP (') as amended and extended in Common Position 2002/457/ CFSP (), Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, Whereas: (1) In Resolution 1408 (2002) of 6 May 2002, the United Nations Security Council, acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, decided to extend and amend the restrictive measures imposed on the Govern- ment of Liberia for its support to armed rebel groups in the region, laid down in United Nations Security Council Resolution 1343 (2001) of 7 March 2001. (2)  Certain of these measures fall within the scope of the Treaty and, therefore, notably with a view to avoiding distortion of competition, Community legislation is necessary to implement the relevant decisions of the Security Council as far as the territory of the Community is concerned. For the purpose of this Regulation, the territory of the Community is deemed to encompass the territories of the Member States to which the Treaty is applicable, under the conditions laid down in that Treaty, HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: Article 1 1. Without prejudice to the powers of the Member States in the exercise of their public authority, it shall be prohibited to provide Liberia with technical training or assistance related to the provision, manufacture, maintenance or use of arms and related material of all types including weapons and ammuni- tion, military vehicles and equipment, paramilitary equipment, and spare parts for the aforementioned. 2. The prohibition referred to in paragraph 1 shall not apply in cases where the Committee established by paragraph 14 of () OJ L 126, 8.5.2001, p. 1. () OJ L 155, 14.6.2002, p. 62. United Nations Security Council 1343 (2001) has granted an exemption in advance. Such exemptions shall be obtained through the competent authorities of the Member States listed in Annex I to this Regulation. Article 2 The direct or indirect import into the Community of all rough diamonds from Liberia, as defined in Annex II to this Regula- tion, whether originating there or not, shall be prohibited. Article 3 The Commission shall be empowered to: — amend Annex [ on the basis of information supplied by Member States, — amend Annex Il in order to bring it into line with changes that may be made to the Combined Nomenclature. Article 4 Without prejudice to the rights and obligations of the Member States under the Charter of the United Nations, the Commission shall maintain all necessary contacts with the Committee estab- lished by paragraph 14 of United Nations Security Council 1343 (2001) for the purpose of the effective implementation of this Regulation. Article 5 The Commission and the Member States shall immediately inform each other of the measures taken under this Regulation and shall supply each other with relevant information at their disposal in connection with this Regulation, in particular infor- mation in respect of violation and enforcement problems and judgements handed down by national courts. Article 6 This Regulation shall apply notwithstanding any rights conferred, or obligations imposed, by any international agree- ment signed or any contract entered into or any licence or permit granted before the entry into force of this Regulation.