Brussels, 04/01/2002 (Agence Europe) - On 3 January, the Spanish Presidency reiterated in a declaration on behalf of the EU its willingness to co-operate with Argentina in the current difficult stage of its history. Here is the text in full: "The EU reiterates its support for and solidarity with the Argentine people and its belief that measures aiming to overcome the current crisis can be legitimate only if they are taken within a constitutional framework and with the respect for democratic institutions. With that in mind, the EU congratulates Mr. Eduardo Duhalde on his election as President of the Republic, and trusts that his Government will draw from a wide base which is representative of the parliamentary political forces. The EU also hopes that the new Government will draw up a comprehensive, stable and realistic plan which will enable the country's serious economic and social problems to be resolved. Finally, the EU wishes to impress upon the Government and people of Argentina its willingness to co-operate in this new stage."