31/07/2000 (Agence Europe) - The French Presidency has made the following Declaration, on behalf of the EU: "The EU welcomes the fact that the people of the Ivory Coast were able to express themselves on their future constitution, on 23 and 24 July 2000, in compliance with the timetable announced by the transitional authorities. Indeed, it attaches great importance to the free and transparent nature of the ballot, especially the fair treatment of all political parties. The countries of Central and Eastern Europe associated with the EU, Cyprus, Malt and Turkey, also associated countries, as well as EFTA countries members of the EEA, rally around this declaration".