Brussels, 04/03/2002 (Agence Europe) - The Spanish Presidency issued a declaration on 28 February in which the European Union, "taking knowledge of the recent death of Jonas Malheiro Savimbi… reaffirms the urgent need to put an end to the long standing internal conflict that is causing a very severe humanitarian situation in the country." The EU therefore "calls for a rapid cessation of hostilities and urges all Angolans to find a peaceful and lasting solution to the conflict... The EU welcomes hereby the important role of the civil society…" The Declaration goes on "The EU takes note of the government's engagement to fully implement the Lusaka protocol, welcomes the positive signals from the government of Angola to date and looks forward to the early publication of the announced detailed programme leading to a definitive end of all hostilities in Angola. The EU would also welcome the immediate adoption of concrete actions to address the existing humanitarian situation in Angola, in particularly in those parts of the country where military activities have been continuing so far. The EU supports and encourages the United Nations in promoting the peace process. The EU wishes that conditions can be created so that the government's commitment to hold free and fair general elections be fulfilled". (Full declaration: http: //ue.eu.int/Newsroom)