the Mission of Romania to the European Communities the assurance of its highest consideration.The Mission of Romania to the European Communities presents its compliments to the Directorate-General I of the Commission of the European Communities and has the honour to refer to the Note of the Directorate-General of (date of Note Verbale) regarding the Additional Protocol to the Europe Agreement on Trade in Textile Products between Romania and the European Community initialled on 30 April 1993, as last amended by the Exchange of Letters initialled on 31 October 1995.The Mission of Romania wishes to confirm to the Directorate-General that whilst awaiting the completion of the necessary procedures for the conclusion and coming into force of the amended Additional Protocol, the Government of Romania is prepared to allow the provisions of the Agreement to apply de facto from 1 January 1996. This is on the understanding that either Party may at any time terminate this de facto application of the amended Additional Protocol provided that six months notice is given.The Mission of Romania to the European Communities avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Directorate-General I of the Commission of the European Communities the assurance of its highest consideration.Declaration of the Commission In the context of the consultations held on 30-31 October 1995 in accordance with Article 1 (3) of the Additional Protocol on trade in textiles products between the European Community and Romania, applied since 1 May 1993, the Commission noted the concern expressed by the Romanian delegation in relation to the level of utilisation of prior authorisations issued for OPT purposes and declared its willingness to examine the matter in the appropriate forum with Member States in due course, and to inform the Romanian authorities accordingly.