98/216/EC: Council Decision of 9 March 1998 on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Community, of the United Nations Convention to combat desertification in countries seriously affected by drought and/or desertification, particularly in Africa

The United Nations Convention to combat desertification in those countries experiencing serious drought and/or desertification, particularly in Africa, is hereby approved on behalf of the Community. The full text of the Convention and the declaration of competence provided for in Article 34(2) and (3) of that Convention are attached to this Decision.

The President of the Council is hereby authorised to appoint the person(s) empowered to deposit the instrument of ratification of the Convention with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, in accordance with Article 34 of the Convention. Such person(s) shall at the same time deposit the declaration of competence attached to this Decision.

The position to be adopted by the Community at the Conference of the Parties, where that body is called upon to adopt decisions that have legal effect, shall be adopted by the Council acting by a qualified majority on a proposal by the Commission. The Community shall be represented at the Conference of the Parties by the Commission in the case of matters coming within Community powers.

This Decision shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Communities.