Brussels, 22/07/2002 (Agence Europe) - On 22 July, the Danish Presidency issued the following declaration on behalf of the European Union: "The European Union expresses its deep concern about the attack carried out on 10 July 2002 against the Liberty Institute Centre in Tbilisi. This attack, as well as other incidents against non-governmental and religious organisations, undermines freedom of thought and religion in Georgia. The European Union calls on the Government of Georgia to respect its commitments as a member of the Council of Europe and the OSCE. All Georgian citizens have the legitimate right to engage in peaceful activities, without fear of criminal and violent acts. Failure to improve the current security environment and consolidate the rule of law will negatively influence both the political and economic situation in Georgia. The European Union calls upon the Government of Georgia to do all in its power to ensure a rapid and thorough investigation into the incident, so as to bring to justice those responsible for the attack. The EU further invites the Georgian authorities to take appropriate measures to ensure the security of non-governmental and religious organisations as well as their staff. The Central and Eastern European countries associated with the European Union, the associated countries Cyprus, Malta and Turkey, and the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area align themselves with this declaration".