Brussels, 18/09/2003 (Agence Europe) - The Italian EU Presidency has, on behalf of the European Union, issued the following declaration: "The European Union is very concerned by the political situation in Haiti and continues to follow developments there with great attention. Particular concern is aroused by the fact that it has not been possible to nominate the members of the provisional electoral council and by information that elections may be held which would not take place in accordance with Resolutions 806 and 822 of the OAS Permanent Council and Resolution 1959 of the General Assembly of the OAS adopted on 10 June 2003 in Santiago, Chile. In accordance with the Decision of the Council of the European Union of 10 January 2003, institutional development cooperation with Haiti could resume only on condition that the obligations set out in the above-mentioned resolutions are fully complied with. Furthermore, the European Union notes with dismay the ever more frequent and serious violations of individual rights and freedoms. In particular, it deplores the recent events which took place at Cap-Haitien and the brutal intervention by the national police. The European Union once again calls on the Haitian authorities to take the necessary steps to restore a climate of security capable of restoring confidence so that the electoral process can ensure the greatest possible participation by Haitian civil society".