20/03/2012 (Agence Europe) - Catherine Ashton calls for political reconciliation. The EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, Catherine Ashton, underlined on Tuesday 20 March the concern felt by the European Union over the continuing political troubles in the Republic of the Maldives. “It is important that a process that will lead to political reconciliation and democratic elections is agreed urgently”, Ashton explained, specifying that the EU is willing to support such efforts. She explained that it is “of utmost importance that political parties and authorities abstain from taking any action that could further complicate matters”, underlining that the safety of political leaders must be guaranteed. “Agreement on the holding of early elections, on the independent investigation of the transfer of power of 7 February and on the reestablishment of the correct functioning of government and parliament is now more important than ever”, she added. She also backed the “important” mission of the Special Commonwealth Envoy, Sir Don McKinnon, which is to engage in dialogue with all parties concerned. (CG/transl.jl)