Brussels, 24/03/2003 (Agence Europe) - On 20 March, the Greek Presidency made the following declaration on behalf of the EU with which the acceding and candidate countries, and the countries of the EEA aligned themselves" The EU took note of the preliminary findings of International Election Observation Mission (IEOM) on the presidential elections in Armenia of 19 February and 5 March 2003. The EU expresses its concern that, according to the IEOM preliminary findings, the overall election process did not meet international standards, i.e.voting and counting were marked by serious irregularities, such as confirmed cases of ballot box stuffing. The EU also expresses its preoccupation over the fact that during the election campaign people were detained because of their involvement in non violent campaign activities. Although most of these detainees have been released, some remain in custody. On the other hand, the EU notes the progress made since the last presidential elections in Armenia, especially concerning the technical preparations and is pleased to see that a large number of international and domestic observers have monitored the elections. The EU also acknowledges the positive fact of a broad public involvement in the election process. The EU also expresses its preoccupation over the fact that during the election campaign people were detained because of their involvement in non violent campaign activities. Although most of these detainees have been released, some remain in custody. On the other hand, the EU notes the progress made since the last presidential elections in Armenia, especially concerning the technical preparations and is pleased to see that a large number of international and domestic observers have monitored the elections. The EU also acknowledges the positive fact of a broad public involvement in the election process. The EU welcomes the fact that, despite the tense political atmosphere, no serious incidents of violence occurred between the two rounds of voting and now calls for calm and restraint from all sides in the aftermath of the elections. Finally, the EU expects that the necessary improvements of the election process will be made in time for the upcoming Armenian parliamentary elections in May 2003, and especially calls upon the central electoral commission to carry out its mission fully and fairly."