Brussels, 13/12/2000 (Agence Europe) - On behalf of the EU, the French Presidency has made the following Declaration: "The European Union welcomes the signing in Algiers on 12 December 2000 of the peace agreement between Ethiopia and Eritrea. It salutes the efforts undertaken by the OAU, and in particular by the Algerian President Mr Abdelaziz Bouteflika and his special envoys on behalf of that organisation. They have been supported by the United States and by the European Union, whose active support has been expressed in particular through the action of the Presidency's Special Representative.
This event may represent a fundamental turning-point towards peace and development in the region and become an example for the whole of Africa.
The Union recalls the important contribution made by its Members to the United Nations force (UNMEE) deployed in accordance with the Algiers Agreement of 18 June 2000 and to the OAU observers. These contributions are proof of the Union's commitment, affirmed inter alia in its Common Position of 29 June 2000, to supporting in a coordinated manner action taken for the implementation of the peace settlement. The Union undertakes to give its continued support to the peace process and to action to assist the populations affected by the conflict. It hopes that the peace agreement can be rapidly implemented so that the two countries can once more, in a spirit of reconciliation, devote all their efforts to development, regional cooperation and the fight against poverty, in which the European Union is most willing to support them.
The Central and Eastern European countries associated with the European Union, the associated countries Cyprus, Malta and Turkey, and the EFTA countries, members of the European Economic Area align themselves with this declaration."