Brussels, 28/03/2002 (Agence Europe) - On 26 March, the Spanish Presidency issued the following declaration on behalf of the European Union:
"The EU welcomes the democratic elections held in Sao Tome and Principe on 3 March 2002. The orderly way in which this disputed electoral process has been conducted confirms the commitment of Sao Tome and Principe's people to democratic principles that already had been shown on previous occasions. New opportunities are now open for the economic development of the country. The EU congratulates the people and leaders of Sao Paolo and Principe for the political stability achieved and expresses its willingness to continue its co-operation with Sao Tome and Principe to the benefit of its people. The Central and Eastern European countries associated with the European Union, the associated countries Cyprus, Malta and Turkey, and the EFTA countries Norway and Liechtenstein, members of the European Economic Area, align themselves with this declaration".