29/12/2003 (Agence Europe) - Acting on behalf of the EU, the Presidency published the following declaration on 23 December: "The European Union has noted with particular interest the signing of the peace agreement between the Government of the Republic of Chad and the representative of the rebel "Movement for Democracy and Justice in Chad (MDJT)" in Ouagadougou on 14 December 2003. It hopes that this agreement will constitute a decisive step towards sustainable development against a background of peace and security. The European Union also hopes that those forces of the MDJT which continue to offer resistance will soon associate themselves with this agreement and lay down their arms. The European Union calls upon the signatories to the agreement to abide by its terms, in order to enable the politico-military opposition in Chad, which believes only in a military solution, to perceive this act as a peaceful, democratic alternative of great benefit to the civilian population".