Brussels, 08/08/2001 (Agence Europe) - On 7 August, the Belgian Presidency of the EU Council published a declaration on behalf of the Union, following the early end of the Bolivian President Hugo Banzer Suarez's term of office due to cancer, in which it recognises that, under the Presidency of Mr. Banzer, "the rule of law in Bolivia was strengthened. In addition, the Union "expresses its appreciation of the successes achieved in combating drug trafficking and eradicating illicit coca crops in the Chaparé region" under that regime. The Union "is pleased to see that the presidential succession has been settled in accordance with constitutional rules" and "commends the Bolivian authorities and people for the democratic maturity shown". In congratulating the "constitutional President", Jorge Quiroga Ramírez, on his inauguration, the Union assures that it "will continue to support Bolivia, in particular through political dialogue and cooperation programmes (…), in order for the progress made so far in consolidating democracy, reducing poverty and combating illegal drugs to be maintained and stepped up". Mr. Quiroga will remain in office until the general elections of June 2002. (The text in full is on the Council's Internet site: http: //ue.eu.int/Newsroom).