Brussels, 04/11/2014 (Agence Europe) - The European Union has taken note of the resignation of Blaise Compaoré, the former president of the Western African country of Burkina Faso, and called on Monday 3 November for a return to national dialogue, democratic transition and constitutional order by holding democratic, inclusive and transparent elections.
“We fully support the call from the joint African Union-Economic Community of West African States/United Nations mission for a swift return to respect for constitutional norms. We make clear the importance we attach to a peaceful democratic transition conducted by the transitional civil authorities and resulting in democratic, inclusive and transparent elections as quickly as possible”, says a statement published by the spokesperson of the European External Action Service (EEAS) on Monday. The statement goes on: “Such a process would offer the best chances of meeting the legitimate aspirations of the people of Burkina Faso and for the maintenance of the country's normal international relations and the continuance of considerable development and cooperation work” (our translation).
The EU fully backs the efforts of the international community, and in particular of the joint AU-ECOWAS-UN mission, to facilitate the on-going process and stands ready to assist in these efforts. (AN)