Brussels, 04/03/2003 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday, the European Commission decided to help in the setting up of an African Union (AU) observation mission to monitor the cease-fire in Burundi. This mission will receive EUR 1.23 million for setting it up and for the six month long mission. The mission will follow the implementation of cease-fire agreements signed at the end of 2002 by the provisional government in Burundi and the main rebel groups. The European Commission has called on all parties involved to respect the agreements and re-commence dialogue without delay. This contribution illustrates the support for the peace process in Burundi and to the priority given to re-establishing peace and security in this country and in the Great Lakes region in general. The AU will consist of 35 observers from at least four countries (Tunisia, Burkina Faso, Gabon and Togo) and is expected to be operational on the ground very shortly. The European Union has already provided humanitarian aid over a number of years to the Burundi population. Last February the Community's ECHO office was put in charge with aid follow-up and a new aid programme of EUR 15 million for vital needs for around two million people.