Brussels, 30/07/2001 (Agence Europe) - The Belgian President of the EU Council published a statement on behalf of the European Union congratulating the new President of Peru, Alejandro Toledo, on the occasion of his investiture. The Statement continues: "The new President has expressed his political will to strengthen democracy, to promote political dialogue and national reconciliation, together with respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, to stimulate the search for truth, to strengthen the legal system, to encourage the fight against illegal drugs and to consolidate the recovery of the Peruvian economy. The EU applauds these commitments and looks forward to cooperating with President Toledo to help him meet the important political, social and economic challenges in these areas and in others, such as the reduction of extreme poverty. The EU also wishes to express its appreciation of the efforts already made by Mr Valentín Paniagua's transitional government to lay a solid foundation on which the new government can build. (The text in full may be found on the Council's Internet site under CFSP Statements in the "newsroom" http: //yue.eu.int/newsroom/main/cfm?LANG=2).