2004/785/EC: Commission Decision of 26 October 2004 on the conclusion of an Agreement in the form of an exchange of letters between the European Community and the United Mexican States concerning amendments to Annex II of the Agreement between the European Community and the United Mexican States on the mutual recognition and protection of designations for spirit drinks

• Articles: 3

Article 1

The Agreement in the form of an exchange of letters between the European Community and the United Mexican States amending Annex II of the Agreement between the European Community and the United Mexican States on mutual recognition and protection of designations for spirit drinks is hereby approved on behalf of the Community.

The text of the Agreement is attached to this Decision.

Article 2

The Commissioner of Agriculture is hereby empowered to sign the exchange of letters in order to bind the Community.

Schedules & Appendices

ANNEX AGREEMENT IN THE FORM OF AN EXCHANGE OF LETTERS

ANNEX

AGREEMENT IN THE FORM OF AN EXCHANGE OF LETTERS

between the European Community and the United Mexican States concerning amendments of Annex II of the Agreement between the European Community and the United Mexican States on the mutual recognition and protection of designations for spirit drinks

Brussels, 29 October 2004

Sir,

I have the honour to refer to your request raised during the discussions related to Formal talks on Free Trade Agreement adaptations following the enlargement on 28-30 January 2004 that took place in Mexico City and which have been held under Article 18 of the Agreement between the European Community and the United Mexican States on the mutual recognition and protection of designations for spirit drinks, of 27 May 1997, which provides that the Contracting Parties may, by mutual consent, amend this Agreement.

The Community has examined the request and agrees to modify Annex II of the Agreement in conformity with the Annex attached to the present exchange of letters, with effect as of 29 October 2004.

I should be obliged if you would confirm that your Government is in agreement with the contents of this letter.

Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration.

On behalf of the European Community

Franz FISCHLER

Mexico City, 29 October 2004

Sir,

I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of 29 October 2004 which reads as follows:

‘I have the honour to refer to your request raised during the discussions related to Formal talks on Free Trade Agreement adaptations following enlargement on 28-30 January 2004 that took place in Mexico City and which have been held under Article 18 of the Agreement between the European Community and the United Mexican States on the mutual recognition and protection of designations for spirit drinks, of 27 May 1997, which provides that the Contracting Parties may, by mutual consent, amend this Agreement.

The Community has examined the request and agrees to modify Annex II of the Agreement in conformity with the Annex attached to the present exchange of letters, with effect as of 29 October 2004.

I should be obliged if you would confirm that your Government is in agreement with the contents of this letter.’

I have the honour to inform you that the United Mexican States are in agreement with the content of your letter.

Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration.

On behalf of the United Mexican States

Luis Ernesto DERBEZ

ANNEX

Annex II of the Agreement between the European Community and the United Mexican States on the mutual recognition and protection for spirit drinks shall be modified as follows:

‘ANNEX II

to the Agreement between the European Community and the United Mexican States on mutual recognition and protection of designations for spirit drinks

Spririt drinks of Agave:

Tequila: protected, elaborated and classified in conformity with the laws and regulations of the United Mexican States.

Mezcal: protected, elaborated and classified in conformity with the laws and regulations of the United Mexican States.

Spirit drink of Sotol (Dasylirion):

Sotol: protected, elaborated and classified in conformity with the laws and regulations of the United Mexican States.

Spirit drink of sugar cane:

Charanda: protected, elaborated and classified in conformity with the laws and regulations of the United Mexican States.’