15/07/2003 (Agence Europe) - The Committee of Permanent Representatives (Coreper) will on Wednesday approve without debate the regulation to accelerate the phasing out of single-hulled fuel tankers entering and leaving Community ports, and banning this type of tanker from transporting heavy fuel. This will be formally approved at first reading either by the General Affairs and External Relations Council of 21 and 22 July, or by the Agriculture Council of 22 July. The regulation will then enter into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal. This rapid adoption (the Commission presented its proposal in December 2002: Ed) was made possible by the convergence of the Parliament's position at first reading (EUROPE of 5 June, p.15) with the political agreement reached by the Transport Council of March (EUROPE of 28 March, p.11).