Brussels, 23/04/2002 (Agence Europe) - On 22 April, the Spanish Presidency issued the following declaration on behalf of the EU: "The EU notes with satisfaction that Mr Ratsiraka and Mr Ravalomanana signed an agreement in Dakar on 18 April, under the auspices of the OAU and the UN and with the assistance of Presidents Wade, Kerekou, Gbagbo and Chissano. The results achieved are in keeping with the objectives of the European Union: - pursuit of civilian peace; - respect for the principles of democracy; - political solution to the crisis. The agreement is in line with the principles set forth by the European Union in its declaration of 17 April. It is important that this agreement be applied in full with due regard for current Malagasy constitutional law and for public opinion. The European Union is prepared for its part to offer political and technical support for the implementation of the agreement and to assist in organising any elections, inter alia by sending international observers". (See EUROPE of 20 April, p.15).