Brussels, 23/09/2003 (Agence Europe) - The Italian Presidency has made the following declaration on behalf of the European Union: "The EU resolutely condemns any attempt to make direct or indirect use of violence in the political process in Côte d'Ivoire, as well as any threats to law and order and stability in the country. The EU confirms its full confidence in and support for the national reconciliation process, based on the implementation of the Linas-Marcoussis Agreements. The EU welcomes the fact that the government of national reconciliation is now complete and encourages that Government to continue down the path to the reunification of Côte d'Ivoire without delay. As a matter of urgency, the opposing armed forces must be confined, disarmament must take place and the administration must be re-established throughout national territory. The implementation of the reforms envisaged by the Marcoussis Agreements must lead a unified and cohesive Côte d'Ivoire to credible, transparent and open elections in 2005. The EU encourages the President of the Republic to continue on the path of reconciliation and the strengthening of democracy, with a view to the organisation of the elections in 2005. The EU encourages the Prime Minister in his practical steps to make governmental action for the reconciliation and rehabilitation of the country more effective. The EU urges all parties, and especially the new forces, to overcome any distrust and to commit themselves in a constructive manner to pursuing the major objectives of the construction of democracy and the recovery of the country's economy. The EU invites the constitutional parties, and all the political and social forces in the country, to commit themselves without reservation to constructive action to re-establish confidence and strengthen the national reconciliation process. The European Union welcomes the reopening of the order with Burkina Faso as a prelude to the re-establishment of rail traffic between the two countries."