29/12/2003 (Agence Europe) - On 23 December, the Presidency published the following declaration on behalf of the European Union on the Peru Truth and Reconciliation Commission final report: 'The European Union considers that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) initiative promotes human rights, contributes in a significant way to the democratic process, and is a valuable call for national cohesion. The European Union welcomes the Peruvian government's message on the TRC final report, which had placed prime responsibility for the violence in the period 1980-2000 on the "Sendero Luminoso" movement. While recalling the sufferings of the Peruvian people for politically inspired violence, the EU acknowledges President Toledo's stand in favour of justice as well as compensation for the families of the victims, in addition to his apology on behalf of the Peruvian state. The EU also welcomes the launching of a plan for peace and development in the most affected regions, to which the European Union is contributing.'