Brussels, 31/10/2001 (Agence Europe) - On 26 October the Belgian Presidency made the following declaration on behalf of the European Union, candidate and EFTA countries:
"The European Union notes, that despite the time which has passed, the OAS Resolution adopted at San José on 5 June 2001, which notes the proposals made by President Aristide and recommends the adoption of measures acceptable to all parties in order to find a solution to the crisis arising from the contested elections in 2000, has not as yet been applied in full. The Union regrets that, despite the efforts made by the Assistant Secretary-General of the OAS, Mr Einaudi, agreement has not been reached on moving forward towards the holding of future elections. The Union looks to the government for adequate safeguards for the continuation of the democratic process, in particular with regard to security and to freedom of opinion and of assembly. Reiterating its full support for the Secretary-General and the Assistant Secretary-General of the OAS, the European Union would encourage them to sustain their mediation efforts and would urge all parties to resume dialogue in a constructive and responsible manner. The European Union calls on the various parties to agree, in a spirit of national reconciliation, to the compromises necessary for the resolution of the crisis, any prolonging of which can only increase the worry and distress suffered by the Haitian people".