Brussels, 22/07/2004 (Agence Europe) - During the consultation meeting on Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement with ACP (Africa/Caribbean/Pacific) on the republic of Guinea-Bissau on 20 July in Brussels, the EU noted with satisfaction, the first commitments by the Guinea delegation for reinforcing democracy in the country. The EU began this procedure on 30 March after the presidential elections were contested by the opposition as not being reliable. During this meeting the Guinea authorities made a commitment to providing a scoreboard by the end of September to inform EU bodes on progress. The EU declared that during this period of consultations, co-operation activities in the European Development Fund would continue normally. The EU points out that "full co-operation by the Guinea authorities is essential" if the EU is to continue aiding the country in its development efforts.