Brussels, 15/07/2002 (Agence Europe) - On the occasion of the inauguration of President Kabbah in Sierra Leone on 12 July, the Danish Presidency issued the following statement on behalf of the EU: "The EU extends its congratulations to President Kabbah on his inauguration as Sierra Leone's Head of State. The ceremony marks another important milestone in Sierra Leone's return to democracy. The EU reiterates its commitment to helping the new government of Sierra Leone meet the huge challenge of rebuilding the country after the long and brutal civil war. The EU will also remain engaged in helping to promote stability in the sub-region, in particular through the EU Presidency Special Representative to the Mano River Union countries, Mr Hans Dahlgren. The Central and Eastern European countries associated with the European Union, the associated countries Turkey, Cyprus and Malta, and the EFTA countries Noerway and Liechtenstein, members of the European Economic Area, align themselves with this declaration".