Brussels, 09/10/2003 (Agence Europe) - On 8 October, the Italian Presidency made the following declaration on behalf of the European Union: "The EU has taken note of the holding of presidential elections in Chechnya on 5 October 2003 and of its preliminary results. The EU and Russia in their joint statement at the Summit in St. Petersburg on 31 May 2003 expressed the hope that the recently started political process as well as the economic and social reconstruction would lead to the restoration of the rule of law, thus promoting the protection of human rights and a genuine reconciliation. They condemned any kind of violence, in particular terrorist acts, which could endanger the prospects for a political solution. The EU reiterates its recognition of the territorial integrity of the Russian Federation. Against this background the EU followed the electoral process in Chechnya with great attention. The EU had already noted negative developments as, inter alia, the lack of real pluralism of candidatures to the Presidency and the absence of independent media. Considering these developments, the EU expresses serious concerns regarding the conditions in which these elections were held. Nevertheless, the EU expresses the hope that the political settlement process in Chechnya continues. In this context, the EU appreciated the Russian Government's commitments before the referendum concerning the improvement of living conditions, an amnesty, autonomy provisions, compensation for destroyed property and the restoration of the rule of law. Reports about ongoing human rights violations continue to be an issue of concern to the EU. The EU calls on Russian authorities to investigate and prosecute those responsible. The EU once again would like to express its hope that commitments will be followed by their implementation and that an immediate, significant improvement of the human rights situation in Chechnya will bridge the divide between the authorities and the population. The EU urges the Russian authorities to do their utmost to advance a genuine political process and to intensify its co-operation with international organisations, and in particular with OSCE, as agreed in the EU-Russia Joint Statement at St. Petersburg. The EU appreciated the opportunity given by the Russian Government to the Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations for displaced people, Mr Francis Deng, for visiting camps of refugees in Ingushetia. The EU views with concern the situation of refugees in the North Caucasus and reiterates its strict rejection of all attempts to make them return to Chechnya on a coercive or involuntary basis. The EU calls on the Russian authorities to redouble their efforts to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to those in need".