Brussels, 19/04/2000 (Agence Europe) - On 14 April, the Portuguese Presidency released the following statement on behalf of the EU.
"The European Union has learned with concern of recent confrontations in The Gambia between students and security forces and deeply regrets that they have led to serious injuries and deaths. The EU seeks the reassurance of the Government of The Gambia that the alleged incidents which triggered the disturbances are dealt with by the courts without prejudice. The European Union expresses the hope that the reasons which caused those disturbances may be overcome through dialogue and in a peaceful and orderly manner. The European Union calls on the Gambian authorities to use maximum restraint when maintaining or restoring public order in line with the need to respect human rights and the rule of law.
The Central and Eastern European countries associated with the EU, the associated countries Cyprus, Malta and Turkey, and the EFTA countries, members of the EEA align themselves with this declaration."