8.5.1999 Official Journal of the European Communities L 120/1 (Acts whose publication is obligatory) COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 975/1999 of 29 April 1999 laying down the requirements for the implementation of development co- operation operations which contribute to the general objective of developing and consolidating democracy and the rule of law and to that of respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 130w thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission ('), Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Atrticle 189¢ of the Treaty (3), ) Whereas procedures should be laid down for the implementation of development cooperation operations which contribute to the general objec- tive of developing and consolidating democracy and the rule of law and to that of respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms; Whereas the Council has adopted simultaneously with this Regulation, Council Regulation (EC) No 976/1999 of 29 April 1999 laying down the requirements  for the implementation of Community operations, other than those of devel- opment cooperation, which, within the framework of Community cooperation policy, contribute to the general objective of developing and consoli- dating democracy and the rule of law and to that of respecting human rights and fundamental free- doms in third countries (%); Whereas Community policy in the sphere of devel- opment cooperation contributes to the general objective of developing and consolidating demo- (") OJ C 282, 18.9.1997, p. 14. (3) Opinion of the European Parliament of 19 November 1997 cracy and the rule of law, and to that of respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms; Whereas Article F.2 of the Treaty on European Union stipulates that the Union respects funda- mental rights, as guaranteed by the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms signed in Rome on 4 November 1950 and as they result from the consti- tutional traditions common to the Member States, as general principles of Community law; Whereas Community action to promote human rights and democratic principles is guided by belief in the universality and indivisibility of human rights, principles that underpin the international system for the protection of human rights; Whereas Community action to promote human rights and democratic principles is rooted in the general principles established by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights; Whereas the Community recognises the interde- pendence of all human rights and whereas progress in economic and social development and in the achievement of civil and political rights should be mutually supportive; (OJ C 371, 8.12.1997, p. 74), Council Common Position of 25 (8) January 1999 (O] C 58, 1.3.1999, p. 17) and Decision of the European Parliament of 14 April 1999 (not yet published in the Official Journal). () See page 8 of this Official Journal. Whereas human rights within the meaning of this Regulation should be considered to encompass respect for international humanitarian law, also taking into account the 1949 Geneva Conventions