Brussels, 20/02/2003 (Agence Europe) - On behalf to the EU, the Greek Presidency has made the following declaration, which has been supported by candidate countries, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein (unofficial translation):
"The EU is encouraging all parties, and notably the authorities of the Ivory Coast to immediately implement the UN Security Council initiated Linas-Marcoussis Agreement, through resolution 1464 of 4 February. In this context, the EU underlines the necessity for all those involved to maintain an environment that is both safe and stable. The EU hopes that Prime Minister, M. Seydou Diarra, will receive the full support from the different Ivory Coast parties in order to form a government and that this is linked to reconciliation and an end to the crisis. In this sense, the EU is requesting that all forces committed to this outcome avoid taking measures that could endanger the ongoing process of national reconciliation. The EU is keen to point out the determined commitment of the international community to implementing all commitments made at Linas-Marcoussis and confirmed at the Paris Summit. In this context, the EU welcomes the role played by the Economic Community of West African States, as well as the African Union and the UN for contributing to the return of peace and reconciliation in the Ivory Coast. The EU, witness of the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement and actor in the Paris Summit of 25 and 26 January, will play, due to its position in the follow-up committee, an active role, in observing that the reference terms to the agreement are applied and calls on all participants to fully cooperate with the follow-up committee. The EU stresses highlights its commitment to supporting the implementation of the Linas-Marcoussis agreement through all relevant means it has available".