Brussels, 17/12/2002 (Agence Europe) - On 6 December the Danish Presidency made the following declaration on behalf of the EU:
"The EU recalls the Council conclusions on Somalia of 22 July 2002 in which the EU affirmed its support for the IGAD's peace and reconciliation initiative and set out the general framework for its support for that regional initiative. The EU welcomes the declaration on the cessation of hostilities and the structure and principles of the peace and national reconciliation process signed by all the parties present at Eldoret on 27 October 2002 on the one hand, and the commencement of work on 2 December 2002 by the six technical committees which are to study all the fundamental aspects of the peace process on the other hand. The EU considers that significant new horizons have been opened up for a solution to the Somali conflict. The EU welcomes and underlines the efforts made by the members of the IGAD technical committee to achieve this outcome, and calls on the Somali parties to make the most of the current momentum and do everything in their power to ensure that the Conference continues its work and is a success. It also encourages IGAD and its Member States to redouble their efforts to promote national reconciliation in Somalia and contribute to the fight against terrorism by consolidating stability and security in the region. The EU also calls on all countries and all international organisations to use their influence to support the Eldoret Conference and consolidate the process of reconciliation."