Brussels, 06/09/2002 (Agence Europe) - On 6 September, the Danish Presidency issued the following declaration on behalf of the European Union on the peace process in Angola:
"The EU welcomes the meeting held in Luanda 26 August 2002 of the reformed Joint Commission of the Lusaka Protocol of 1994. The presence of the United Nations Secretary-General, Mr Kofi Annan, underlines the importance of this step following the adoption by the UN Security Council of SCR 1433. The EU encourages all parties to continue to engage in the process that shall lead to the holding of general elections with full respect for democracy and transparency. The EU reiterates its commitment to support the efforts of the people of Angola in securing national reconciliation, reconstruction and the consolidation of peace and calls on the Government of Angola to do its utmost to meet the needs of its own people. 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".