Brussels, 08/07/2002 (Agence Europe) - Speaking on behalf of the European Union, the Danish EU Presidency has issued the following statement: "The European Union strongly deplores the tragic assassination of the Vice-President in the Afghan Transitional Authority, Haji Abdul Qadir. This tragic event should not be allowed to disrupt the restoration of Afghanistan or undermine the achievements reached in recent months. The EU strongly urges all Afghan parties to continue and further strengthen efforts to implement the Bonn Agreement as it is the only way to bring peace to the country".