Brussels, 10/04/2000 (Agence Europe) - Before the elections in Peru, the Portuguese Presidency made the following announcement on behalf of the EU:
"The European Union is closely monitoring the electoral process in Peru and urges national authorities to adopt all required measures to assure that the Peruvian people can express their will in freedom and democracy, without any kind of pressure. Despite the fact that the EU remains deeply concerned over certain aspects of the conduct of the election, it hopes that procedures followed on polling day on 9 April will be free and fair and conform to international standards." (In the mean time, it has arisen that a second round will be necessary to elect the President of the Republic: Ed.).