15/10/2002 (Agence Europe) - On 14 October, the Danish Presidency made the following declaration on behalf of the EU: "The EU is closely monitoring the electoral process in Jamaica, and the elections to be held on 16 October, and welcomes the appeals made by the main political parties for those elections to be free and peaceful. Similarly, the EU welcomes the political parties' adoption of a "code of conduct" to govern the process and the appointment of a political ombudsman who will ensure that it is open and above board. These measures are a positive indication of the parties' commitment to eradicating political violence. Nevertheless, the EU notes with concern the brutal killings that have taken place over the past few weeks. The EU hopes that the forthcoming elections will help to build a violence-free society in Jamaica."