1.9.2006 Official Journal of the European Union L 239/1 (Acts whose publication is not obligatory) COUNCIL COUNCIL DECISION of 12 June 2006 concerning the signing and conclusion of the Interim Agreement on trade and trade-related matters between the European Community, of the one part, and the Republic of Albania, of the other part (2006/580/EC) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Commu- nity, and in particular Article 133 in conjunction with Article 300 (2), first subparagraph, and Article 300(3), first sentence thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, Whereas: (1) Pending the entry into force of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Commu- nities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Albania, of the other part, signed in Luxembourg on 12 June 2006, it is necessary to approve the Interim Agreement on trade and trade-related matters between the European Community, of the one part, and the Republic of Albania, of the other part. (2) The commercial provisions contained in the Agreement are of an exceptional nature, connected with the policy implemented within the framework of the Stabilisation and Association Process and will not constitute, for the European Union, any precedent in the commercial policy of the Community with regard to third countries other than those of the Western Balkans. (3) The Agreement should be signed and approved, HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: Article 1 1. The Interim Agreement on trade and trade-related matters between the European Community, of the one part, and the Republic of Albania, of the other part (hereinafter referred to as the Agreement), the Annexes and Protocols annexed thereto, as well as the Declarations attached to the Final Act are hereby approved on behalf of the Community. 2. The texts referred to in paragraph 1 are attached to this Decision. Article 2 The President of the Council is hereby authorised to designate the person(s) empowered, on behalf of the Community, to sign the Agreement and deposit the instrument of approval provided for in Article 56 of the Agreement. Done at Luxembourg, 12 June 2006. For the Council The President U. PLASSNIK