Lisbon, 23/03/2000 (Agence Europe) - The European Union reiterated its support for the independence process in East Timor and the stabilisation of the region, during a breakfast, held this Thursday, between the President of the National Resistance Council, Xanana Gusmao, the Prime Ministers of Portugal, Antonio Guterres and of France Lionel Jospin and the European Commission President Romano Prodi. "The EU strongly supports the worries of the people of Timor" announced Antonio Guterres before the press while hoping that the rapid return of refugees to Timor will take place as quickly as possible to avoid dangers of destabilisation in the region. Xanana Gusmao expressed his strong belief that, thanks to the support from the EU and the international community as a whole, the independence process will successfully lead to "a democratic State where human rights are respected and where justice prevails." President Prodi reminded that the EU gave financial aid of EUR 35.5 million to East Timor, in the form of humanitarian, food and rehabilitation assistance. He added that "in the coming years, this aid will be directed towards the building of the infrastructure."