Page 37 Article 77 Sanctions Applicable for Non-Fulfilment of Obligations 1. Where a Member State fails to fulfil its obligations to the Community, the Authority may decide to impose sanctions on that Member State. 2. These sanctions may include: (i) suspension of new Community loans or assistance; (ii) suspension of disbursement on-going Community projects or assistance programmes; (iii) exclusion from presenting candidates for statutory and professional posts; (iv) suspension voting rights; and (v) suspension from participating in the activities of the Community. 3. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 1 of this Article, the Authority may suspend the application of the provisions of the said Article if it is satisfied on the basis of a well supported and detailed report prepared by an independent body and submitted through the Executive Secretary, that the non-fulfilment of its obligations is due to causes and circumstances beyond the control of the said Member State; 4. The Authority shall decide on the modalities for the application of this Article. CHAPTER XVII: RELATIONS BETWEEN THE COMMUNITY AND THE AFRICAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY Article 78 The Community and the African Economic Community The integration of the region shall constitute an essential component of the integration of the African continent. Member States undertake to facilitate the coordination and harmonization of the policies and programmes of the Community with those of the African Economic Community. CHAPTER XVIII: RELATIONS BETWEEN THE COMMUNITY AND OTHER REGIONAL ECONOMIC COMMUNITIES Article 79 The Community and Other Regional Economic Communities 1. In the context of realizing its regional objectives, the Community may enter into cooperation agreements with other regional Communities.