Article 92
(1) and cannot at this stage qualify for the exemptions provided for in Article 92 (2) and (3). The Commission would point out that, should a negative final decision be taken subsequently on the aid, the Commission may require any unlawful aid that has been paid in breach of the procedural rules provided for in Article 93 (3) to be repaid (2). The abolition of the aid would involve repayment, in accordance with the procedures and provisions of French law, in particular those relating to interest on arrears on debts due to the State, with interest starting to run on the date on which the unlawful aid was granted. This measure is necessary in order to restore the status quo (3) by removing the financial benefits which the firms receiving the unlawful aid have improperly enjoyed since the date on which the aid was paid. (13) By letter dated 24 April 1991, the Commission requested France to confirm that the three ongoing aid measures had been suspended in accordance with the obligation imposed pursuant to Article 93 (2) of the EEC Treaty and to confirm their position within five working days. By fax dated 30 April 1991, the French authorities informed the Commission that they had not suspended the grant of the aid, HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: