Brussels, 17/09/2010 (Agence Europe) - High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton, speaking on behalf of the European Union, has said that she is deeply concerned at the announcement of a postponement of the second round of presidential elections and rising tensions linked to the lack of progress in the electoral process in Guinea.
A statement published by the high representative's spokesman on Thursday 16 September says that the EU “shares the recently expressed positions of the African Union and calls on the Independent National Electoral Commission to swiftly propose a new date for the second round of presidential elections, without any delays other than those strictly necessary to remove the identified technical obstacles. It also urges the transitional authorities to confirm this date as soon as possible. The EU believes that any such undue delay risks undermining a democratic process of historical importance. The EU welcomes the ongoing commitment to democracy of the President of Transition, General Sékouba Konaté, and encourages all political actors in Guinea to recover their sense of historical responsibility, compromise and dialogue, which enabled Guinea to initiate this year a successful transition in view of the restoration of constitutional order”. (A.N./transl.rt)