Brussels, 27/01/2000 (Agence Europe) - On 25 January, the Portuguese Presidency made the following declaration on the Republic of Congo, on behalf of the European Union:
"The EU took note of the agreement signed by representatives of the Army and the Militias, respectively in Pointe Noire on 16 November 1999 and Brazzaville on 29 December 1999, and welcomes the appointment of President Bongo of Gabon as mediator for an all-inclusive dialogue. Both these agreements represent significant steps forward on the path towards pacification and national reconciliation in the Republic of Congo, whose people are still suffering the effects of a prolonged and disruptive armed conflict. The EU therefore calls upon the Congolese parties to renounce violence and firmly commit themselves to opening an all-inclusive national dialogue to: - reach a comprehensive and lasting end to hostilities; lead to full respect of human rights, the rule of law and the restoration of democracy through the holding of free and fair elections. If progress takes shape towards establishing free, transparent and pluralistic elections, the European Union may consider assistance, beyond emergency humanitarian aid, to contribute to the restoration of peace, democracy and development in Congo-Brazzaville.
The Central and Eastern European countries associated with the European Union, the associated countries of Cyprus, Malta and Turkey, and the EFTA countries, members of the European Economic Area align themselves with this declaration."