Brussels, 22/03/2001 (Agence Europe) - The Swedish Presidency has made the following declaration, on behalf of the European Union: "The EU has noted the results of the Presidential elections held in Uganda on 12 March 2001 where six competing candidates were able to participate. The EU commends the efforts of a national group of Ugandan associations observing the voting operations. According to these local, and international, monitors, voting on 12 March appears to have proceeded smoothly in most areas. The EU also commends all Ugandans intent on exercising their right to vote in a peaceful and orderly manner. At the same time the EU is aware of reports on vote rigging, violence and intimidation in some districts. The EU awaits the response of the Ugandan authorities concerning these reported irregularities.
The EU calls upon the Ugandan authorities to address the shortcomings identified by observers in the presidential election campaign and vote. The EU calls upon the Ugandan authorities to ensure that the legislative elections in June 2001 will meet full democratic standards.
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."