Brussels, 17/10/2002 (Agence Europe) - The Danish Presidency made the following declaration on 16 October, on behalf of the EU: "The EU welcomes the completion of multiparty National and Provincial elections in Pakistan. The elections are a step in the gradual transition to full democracy in Pakistan. The EU hopes all parties and political forces will work together to achieve good governance and functioning democratic institutions in Pakistan and the transfer of power from a military to a civilian administration. The EU will continue to watch the process closely and stay engaged with Pakistan throughout its transition to democracy. An EU Election Observation Mission monitored the elections and issued a statement on its preliminary findings on 12 October 2002. The EU commends the Pakistani authorities for their cooperation with the EU Observer Mission and for assuring a widely secure and violence-free election day. However, the EU is concerned about reports of manipulation and encourages the Election Commission to follow up on complaints about the election process. Furthermore, and after the conclusion of both the electoral process in Jammu & Kashmir and elections in Pakistan, the EU calls on India and Pakistan to take steps to de-escalate tension between them and to resume as soon as possible a diplomatic dialogue on all issues that divide them, including Kashmir." (See EUROPE of 14/15 October, p.5, for rather mitigated judgement of the head of the European observers, John Cushnahan).