Brussels, 28/12/2001 (Agence Europe) - The Belgian Presidency of the EU Council made the following declaration on 27 December (unofficial translation):
"Seriously concerned by recent events in Argentina, the EU deeply deplores the fact that the crisis the country is experiencing should have led to the tragic loss of human lives and would like to send the families of the victims its sincere condolences. The EU confirms its support for and solidarity with the Argentinean people, while expressing its confidence in the sound functioning of democratic institutions in Argentina. Regarding this, it welcomes the fact that the situation in Argentina should have quietened and that the Congress should have swiftly elected Mr. Adolfo Rodriguez Saa to lead Argentina until the election of a new President in March 2002. The EU hopes that the new authorities are able to put their country on the path to resolving its serious economic and social problems, resolution that enables Argentina to fully assume its international financial responsibilities. The policy implemented, while responding to the expectations expressed by the Argentinean people, will have to provide sustainable solutions, in agreement with the international community".