Brussels, 21/01/2011 (Agence Europe) - The rerun of the controversial first round of the presidential elections in Haiti has been welcomed by the EU, which calls for a democratic second round to help build stability and ensure reconstruction of the country. In the evening of Thursday 20 January 2011, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton, welcomed the work done by the OAS verification mission (monitoring the elections), saying: 'I consider this an important step to maintain and strengthen the confidence of the Haitian people in the electoral process.' She added: 'I expect the findings of the Mission to be fully taken into account by the Haitian authorities and to be reflected in the legal decisions which establish the final result of the first round and the continuation of the electoral process. The second round of elections must be held in a manner which respects the Constitution, the Rule of Law and the democratic will of the Haitian people. I am deeply concerned about the number of reported irregularities in the first round and call for transparency and the highest electoral standards in the next stage of the vote. The EU is ready to continue to assist the Haitian authorities in the ongoing electoral process. Political stability is and properly functioning democratic are prerequisites for the reconstruction and development of Haiti.' (A.N. trans fl)