Brussels, 09/07/2001 (Agence Europe) - Further to a request for funding from Togo with a view to the legislative elections of 14 and 28 October, the European Union decided to send an exploratory mission to this country, from 9 to 11 July. A declaration published on 6 July by the Belgian EU Council Presidency, on behalf of the EU, states: "The EU is prepared to consider support to an electoral process that will help to ease the political situation in Togo, in accordance with procedures laid down in the Lomé Framework Agreement signed on 29 July 1999". The EU reiterates its hope that the "ballot should take place in conditions of maximum transparency and equity", and recalls that "this will contribute to a resumption of European cooperation with Togo, whatever the choice of the Togolese people". It "undertakes to prepare the conditions for such resumption forthwith". (The full text of the declaration can be found on website: http: //ue.eu.int/Newsroom).