Brussels, 26/09/2003 (Agence Europe) - The Italian Presidency has made the following declaration on behalf of the European Union: "The European Union welcomes the agreement on security arrangements reached on September 24 by the Delegation of the Government of Sudan, led by the first Vice-President Ali Osman Taha, and the Delegation of the SPLM/A, led by the Chairman John Garang. The agreement reached and the personal engagement of the two leaders augur well for the continuation of negotiations on the remaining outstanding issues. The EU encourages the parties to seize the momentum and to spare no effort to reach a final and comprehensive agreement. The EU reiterates its readiness to assist the parties in the implementation of the peace agreement and to accompany Sudan on a path of peace building, respect for human tights, democracy and development."