(Assent procedure)

The European Parliament,

-  having regard to the proposal for a Council and Commission decision (COM(2001) 90 ),

-  having regard to the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Community and its Member States and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia ,

-  having regard to the Council's request for Parliament's assent pursuant to Article 300, third paragraph, second indent in conjunction with Article 300, second paragraph, first indent, last sentence and Article 310 of the EC Treaty (C5-0157/2001 ),

-  having regard to Rules 86 and 97(7) of its Rules of Procedure,

-  having regard to the recommendation of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, Common Security and Defence Policy (A5-0132/2001 ),

1.  Gives its assent to the conclusion of the Agreement;

2.  Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and Commission, and the governments and parliaments of the Member States and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.