Brussels, 11/07/2002 (Agence Europe) - The Danish EU Presidency has issued the following statement on behalf of the European Union: "The European Union warmly welcomes and supports the reconciliation process in Madagascar launched by President Marc Ravalomanana. The European Union hopes that this process will lead to peace and stability for the people of Madagascar. The EU stands ready to assist Madagascar with its preparations for the foreseen Parliamentary elections and to contribute substantially to Madagascar's efforts to resolve the economic and social situation in the country. The Central and Eastern European countries associated with the European Union, the associated countries Cyprus, Malta and Turkey, and the EFTA countries Norway and Iceland, members of the European Economic Area, align themselves with this declaration".