24. 10. 96 Official Journal of the European Communities No L 271/31 (Acts whose publication is not obligatory) COUNCIL COUNCIL DECISION of 16 September 1996 concerning the conclusion of the results of negotiations with certain third countries under GATT Article XXIV:6 and other related matters (Argentina) (96/611/EC) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 113, in conjunction with Article 228 (2), first sentence thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, Whereas the Community has entered into negotiations under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) Article XXIV:6; whereas these negotiations have resulted in an Agreement with Argentina; Whereas the phasing in of the duty reductions provided for in the Agreement should be specified; Whereas the Community has entered into discussions with Argentina relating to the Community’s import regime for cereals; whereas the result of these discussions are contained in an Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters; Whereas it is in the interest of the Community to approve these Agreements, HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: Article 1 The following Agreements are hereby approved on behalf of the Community: — Agreement for the conclusion of negotiations between the European Community and the Republic of Argen- tina under GATT Article XXIV:6 (Annex I), — Exchange of Letters between the European Commu- nity and the Republic of Argentina on cereals (Annex ). The texts of the Agreements referred to in this Article are attached to this Decision. Article 2 The phasing in of the duty reductions provided for in the Agreement is laid down in Annex III Article 3 The President of the Council is hereby authorized to designate the person empowered to sign the Agreements in order to bind the Community (). Done at Brussels, 16 September 1996. For the Council The President I. YATES (') The date of entry into force of the Agreements will be published in the Official Journal of the European Communi- ties by the General Secretariat of the Council.