By adopting the report by Mr Pat the Cope GALLAGHER (UPE, IRL), the European Parliament
approved the conclusion of the fisheries agreement between the Union and Mauritius (1 December
1996 - 30 November 1999).
The European Parliament called in particular for the Community to undertake to play an active part
in the management and conservation of the Indian Ocean's fish stocks, particularly with regard to
the work of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission. It also called on the Commission, in the course of
the last year of the Protocol's application, and before the start of negotiations on its possible renewal,
to submit to the Council and European Parliament a general assessment report on its application. On
the basis of that report and taking account of the European Parliament's opinion thereon, it wished
the Council to authorize the Commission to start negotiations with a view to the adoption of a new
Protocol.�