ANNEX

H.E. the President of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau,

H.E. the Prime Minister of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau,

Sirs,

Further to the consultations which took place in Brussels on 29 March 2011 in the framework of Article 96 of the ACP-EU Partnership Agreement, the European Union decided on 18 July 2011, by Council Decision 2011/492/EU to adopt appropriate measures, including a scheme of mutual commitments for the gradual resumption of European Union cooperation.

By Council Decision 2013/385/EU, Decision 2011/492/EU was extended by one year, and is valid until 19 July 2014.

Over the last 12 months, during which interim authorities were in place, no progress was made in terms of respect of human rights, the fight against impunity, reform of the security sector or the fight against illegal trafficking, notably of drugs, which were foreseen in the scheme of mutual commitments for the resumption of European Union cooperation.

However, the European Union is encouraged by the holding of free, peaceful and credible legislative and presidential elections on 13 April 2014 and 18 May 2014, which represented a major step towards democracy and stability in the country. The European Union has therefore decided to suspend the measures applied under Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement as set out in Decision 2011/492/EU in order to be able to engage with and provide direct support to the democratically elected authorities in your efforts to consolidate, reconcile and develop the country, in collaboration with other international partners.

The European Union attaches the utmost importance to the provisions of Article 9 of the Cotonou Agreement, since respect for human rights, democratic institutions and the rule of law constitutes the essential basis of European Union-Guinea Bissau relations. The European Union will continue to closely follow the situation in the country.

The political and socioeconomic challenges that the country faces are significant, but we are confident that you will endeavour to take, in dialogue with all political groups, the decisions that are necessary, both at economic and financial level, and in the crucial areas of security sector reform and the fight against impunity.

The European Union remains firmly committed to its partnership with the people of Guinea Bissau. The present European Union decision to suspend the application of the appropriate measures and re-engage in dialogue and cooperation with the legitimate authorities is intended to provide new impetus to enhancing EU-Guinea Bissau relations, with the aim of normalising bilateral relations. However, the commitments made by Guinea Bissau in the framework of the Article 96 Consultation remain applicable and the European Union expects your Government to make all necessary efforts to achieve them as a matter of priority.

The European Union calls on all parties to seize the momentum to move the country towards democratic stability, rule of law, respect of human rights and socioeconomic development.

Yours faithfully,