24, 11. 95 Official Journal of the European Communities No L 282/21 (Acts whose publication is not obligatory) COUNCIL COUNCIL DECISION of 17 November 1995 on the conclusion of the Agreement in the form of an exchange of letters concerning the provisional application of the Protocol defining, for the period 21 May 1995 to 20 May 1998, the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for by the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Government of the Republic of Madagascar on fishing off Madagascar (95/490/EC) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, Having regard to the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Government of the Re- public of Madagascar on fishing off Madagascar ('), Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, Whereas the Community and the Republic of Madagascar have held negotiations to determine the amendments or additions to be made to the abovementioned Agreement at the end of the period of application of the first Proto- cols ; Whereas, as a result of these negotiations, a new Protocol was initialled on 18 May 1995; whereas, under this Protocol, Community fishermen enjoy fishing opportun- ities in the waters falling within the sovereignty or juris- diction of the Republic of Madagascar for the period 21 May 1995 to 20 May 1998 ; Whereas, in order to avoid the interruption of fishing activities by Community vessels, it is essential that the Protocol in question be approved as quickly as possible ; whereas both parties have therefore initialled an Agree- ment in the form of an exchange of letters providing for the provisional application of the initialled Protocol from the day following the date of expiry of the Protocols previously in force ; whereas the said Agreement should () OJ No L 73, 18. 3. 1986, p. 26. be concluded, subject to a definitive decision pursuant to Article 43 of the Treaty, HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: Article 1 The Agreement in the form of an exchange of letters concerning the provisional application of the Protocol defining, for the period 21 May 1995 to 20 May 1998, the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for by the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Government of the Repu- blic of Madagascar on fishing off Madagascar is hereby approved on behalf of the Community. The text of the Agreement in the form of an exchange of letters is attached to this Decision. Article 2 The President of the Council is hereby authorized to designate the persons empowered to sign the Agreement in the form of an exchange of letters in order to bind the Community. Done at Brussels, 17 November 1995. For the Council The President P. SOLBES MIRA