Brussels, 12/09/2003 (Agence Europe) - The Italian Presidency has made the following declaration on behalf of the European Union, "The appointment of the Members of the Consejo Nacional Electoral of Venezuela, which took place on 25 August 2003, is a first, important step towards the implementation of the political agreement signed on 29 May 2003 by the Government and the Coordinadora Democratica. The European Union trusts that the new CNE will be able to promptly and effectively comply with its institutional duty and urges all parties to continue to carry out the mandate established by such agreement, thus paving the way to a solution of the current political crisis within the framework of the constitution, the rule of law and democratic principles. In the crucial months ahead, the EU calls on the Government of Venezuela and the Opposition to fully abide by the Declaration Against Violence and for Peace and Democracy of 18 February 2003. The tolerance and restraint demonstrated by the people of Venezuela in recent demonstrations must continue to prevail in a renewed spirit of national reconciliation. The EU reaffirms its commitment to contribute to the democratic development of Venezuela, together with the Organisation of American States, the Carter Centre, the UNDP and the Group of Friends of the Secretary General of the OAS, and is ready to provide financial and technical assistance for the implementation of the agreement of 29 May.