27. 1. 96 Official Journal of the European Communities No L 21/47 (Acts whose publication is not obligatory) COUNCIL COUNCIL DECISION of 19 December 1995 concerning the approval by the European Community of the Grains Trade Convention and the Food Aid Convention, constituting the International Grains Agreement 1995 (96/88/EC) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Articles 113 and 130y, in conjunction with the first sentence of Article 228 (2) and the first subparagraph of paragraph 3 thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission ('), Having regard to the opinion of the European Parlia- ment (3), Whereas the Grains Trade Convention and the Food Aid Convention, together constituting the International Grains Agreement, 1995, have been the subject of negoti- ations to replace the International Wheat Agreement, 1949 ; whereas originally the new agreement was open until 30 June 1995 for signature and deposit of instru- ments of ratification, acceptance or approval ; whereas the Agreement entered into force with effect from 1 July 1995 by Decision of the Conference of Governments, meeting in London on 6 July 1995 ; whereas at that time the deadline for the deposit of the abovementioned instruments was extended to 30 June 1996; Whereas, on 30 June 1995, following the Council Deci- sion of 29 June 1995(), the Community, subject to subsequent ratification, signed the two conventions constituting the said Agreement and deposited a declara- tion of provisional application; whereas these conven- tions should now be approved ; Whereas, pursuant to Article 130u of the Treaty, Commu- nity policy in the sphere of development cooperation () OJ No C 191, 25. 7. 1995, p. 4. ) OJ No C 287, 30. 10. 1995. () OJ No C 204, 9. 8. 1995, p. 1. should foster the sustainable economic and social deve- lopment of the developing countries, their smooth and gradual integration into the world economy and the campaign against poverty in those countries; Whereas, with regard to food aid, application of the Inter- national Grains Agreement, 1995, implies in part both action by the Community and by the Member States; Whereas all Member States have expressed their intention to become contracting parties to the Food Aid Conven- tion, HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: Article 1 The Grains Trade Convention and the Food Aid Conven- tion, constituting the International Grains Agreement, 1995, are hereby approved on behalf of the BEuropean Community. The texts of the Conventions are attached to this Deci- sion. Article 2 The President of the Council is hereby authorized to designate the person empowered to deposit the instru- ments of approval of the two Conventions.