07/11/2002 (Agence Europe) - On 5 November, the Danish Presidency made the following Statement: "The EU welcomes the development of the electoral process in the Kingdom of Bahrain, which demonstrates that Bahrain and the Bahraini people have taken important steps towards the development of a democratic State. With the parliamentary elections on 24 and 31 October 2002 the Bahraini population has been given the opportunity to exercise their democratic right to vote. The EU notes with satisfaction that the parliamentary elections have been conducted in a calm and orderly way which has also been recognized by the opposition. The EU also welcomes the fact that women were able to participate in the elections. The Union is convinced that the new government, on the firm basis of the rule of law and compliance with human rights and fundamental freedoms, will be able to meet fully the aspiration for peace and prosperity of all its people. The EU will continue to stand by the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Bahraini people in their striving for democratic reform."