Brussels, 07/02/2001 (Agence Europe) - On 6 February the Swedish Presidency made the following declaration on behalf of the EU: "The EU welcomes the announcement of a timetable for the parliamentary elections, taking place on 14th and 28th October 2001. The EU considers these elections as essential for the appeasement of political life in Togo. The EU considers this announcement as a first step towards the normalisation of its relations to Togo and encourages all parties to pursue the implementation of the Lomé Framework Agreement, leading to a free, fair and transparent elections process . In this regard the EU believes that its facilitators actively contribute to achieving necessary compromise solutions in the inter-Togolese dialogue. The EU re-iterates its willingness to assist technically and financially in the election process, if requested. 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."
In the Commission, President Prodi has received a message from President Eyadema handed to him by Dahuku Pere, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Togolese National Assembly, message confirming the date of the elections and indicating that a financial contribution would be sought for the organisation of the elections. Prodi replied that the Commission was expecting such a request soon.