Brussels, 09/07/2001 (Agence Europe) - On 6 July, the Belgian EU Presidency adopted a declaration on behalf of the EU in which, "stirred by public opinion in its Member States", it deplores the "worrying worsening " of the situation in Burundi and expresses its concern at the danger of war in the Great Lakes Region (East of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Burundi). The Belgian Presidency, which has announced an action plan for this region (see EUROPE of 2/3 July, p.5), appeals to the Heads of State meeting in Lusaka for the Summit of the African Union so that they bring their influence to bear on all the main parties involved in the conflict to seek a political solution to the current serious crisis. It reiterates its "willingness to contribute to the search for a peaceful solution in all the appropriate fora and through continued support for the efforts of the mediator, Nelson Mandela". Finally, the Presidency points out that it is "considering means of increasing its assistance to him in expertise and financial resources". It calls on donors "not to leave the people at Burundi to their fate". (The full text of the statement is to be found on website: http: //ue.eu.int/Newsroom).