Brussels, 25/03/2014 (Agence Europe) - The EU will only be sending two experts to Algeria during the presidential elections on 17 April next and not an official observation mission as it did in 2012. In response to an official request from the Algerian authorities, the EU will “provide a technical assessment of the electoral process” (Election Experts Mission) but, according to the European Commission spokesperson, it will not be making “any public declaration” on its assessment. The spokesperson also explained that “we received the invitation very late” and “we would be unable to provide a full election observation mission in such a short deadline”. Nonetheless, the EU is reluctant to shy away from its obligations, “given the political importance of the country”. The spokesperson also said that they had “examined the options of making a greater commitment with Algeria, whilst constantly underlining the importance of implementing the recommendations”, particularly on transparency in the electoral lists, as proposed by the official observation mission in 2012. On this subject, the spokesperson pointed out that the EU was still keen to see a “fair and transparent electoral process in Algeria, in compliance with the constitution, rule of law and democratic principles”. (FB/FG)