Brussels, 24/07/2001 (Agence Europe) - The Belgian Presidency has issued the following declaration on behalf of the European Union: "The European Union notes the swearing in of Mrs Megawati Soekarnoputri as the 5th President of the Republic of Indonesia at the extraordinary session of the People's Assembly (MPR) on 23 July in Djakarta. It notes with satisfaction that this transfer of power was completed in a democratic and peaceful manner. The European Union congratulates Mrs Megawati Soekarnoputri on her assumption of office and expresses the hope that her country's political stability will emerge strengthened by this decision so that the Indonesian democratic authorities may press ahead with the political and economic reforms initiated. The European Union calls on all parties to avoid any possible recourse to violence. The European Union reiterates its full support for the territorial integrity of Indonesia, which it wishes to see strong, prosperous and democratic, and undertakes to pursue its full partnership with that country".
Furthermore, the president of the European Commission, Romano Prodi, sent a telegram of congratulations to the new president of Indonesia. It states: "We are pleased to see that this vote was taken in a constitutional and democratic spirit, and are convinced that Indonesia will continue its progress on the path of stability and development. We wish you every success in the tasks which lie before you, and we are confident that the relations of partnership between the Republic of Indonesia and the European Commission will be further consolidated and enhanced".