Brussels, 23/05/2000 (Agence Europe) - On 19 May, the Portuguese Presidency made the following declaration on behalf of the EU:
"The EU expresses its concern at the ongoing climate of tension and insecurity in Guinea-Bissau and at reports of indiscipline in some sectors of the Armed Forces. The EU urges all in Guinea Bissau, in particular the military, to continue to take forward the positive developments of last year, with the holding of fair, free and democratic elections which led to a democratic transition of power. The EU stresses the need for a full return to civil rule, effective functioning of democratic institutions and a peaceful environment as prerequisites for the continuation of foreign investments, and the financial and economic aid that the country urgently needs.
The Central and Eastern European countries associated with the EUn, the associated countries Cyprus, Malta and Turkey, and the EFTA countries, members of the EEA align themselves with this declaration."