With regard to the Council Regulation on the conclusion of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Kingdom of Morocco, the Netherlands [and …] wish[es] to:

• Recall that the EU fully supports the efforts of the UN, and in particular of the Personal Envoy of its SG, Mr Peter van Walsum, to mediate between the various parties with an interest in Western Sahara towards a just, lasting and mutually accepted political solution of the conflict which will allow for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara as envisaged by the UN Security Council

• Underline that the conclusion of a FPA may not be construed to be diminishing support for this process, and does in no way prejudge the outcome of this process with regard to the status of the Western Sahara. In particular, the FPA may not be considered as acceptance of territorial claims not supported by international law.

• Consider that future dialogue within the FPA’s Joint Committee will be of special importance and that the Joint Committee shall endeavour to make use of all available instruments to ensure that the implementation of this FPA will be in conformity with the rules and principles of international law, including the principle of “permanent sovereignty over natural resources”, and thus that activities under the agreement in the territory of Western Sahara will be conducted for the benefit of the original population, on their behalf or in consultation with their representatives.