Brussels, 24/07/2002 (Agence Europe) - The Danish Presidency issued the following declaration on 23 July on behalf of the European Union:
"The European Union warmly welcomes the agreement reached between the Government of Sudan and the SPLMA/A in Machakos, Kenya, on 20 July 2002 on the two most contentious issues, namely the right to self-determination for the people of South Sudan and state and religion. The EU strongly urges all parties to the conflict in Sudan to adhere to the agreement and to work in a dedicated manner to accomplish a comprehensive peace agreement when negotiations resume in mid-August 2002. The EU confirms its strong support for the IGAD peace process, Kenya's facilitative role therein and those external partners who have played a crucial role in making this result come through. The Central and Eastern European countries associated with the European Union, the associated countries Cyprus, Malta and Turkey, and the EFTA countries, members of the European Economic Area, align themselves with this declaration".