To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the Treaty of Amsterdam allows for the European Union to withdraw from international treaties and agreements. [17077]

The Treaty of Amsterdam allows the Council, acting unanimously, to conclude international agreements under certain circumstances in the areas of the Common Foreign and Security Policy and Police and Judicial Co-operation in Criminal Matters. Implicitly, any decision subsequently to withdraw from such an agreement would similarly be taken by the Council acting unanimously. It would also be subject to the relevant rules of international law.