Brussels, 13/12/2004 (Agence Europe) - Monday's External Relations Council adopted conclusions (without debate) in which Foreign Ministers restate their satisfaction at the positive outcome to the presidential elections held on 9 October. The EU is ready to assist Afghanistan in pursuing its democratisation process, including for parliamentary, provincial and local elections foreseen in 2005. In this context, the Council welcomes the fact that the European Commission intends to send an "appropriate" mission to the country to oversee parliamentary elections. In future, the activities of the EU in favour of Afghanistan will focus on the following areas, it is stipulated in the conclusions: - the democratisation process and strengthening of rule of law; - assistance to the Afghan authorities to combat the growing, production and trafficking of drugs; - the development of security forces (police and armed forces) able to ensure the country's security and stability; - and the provision of financial and technical aid for rebuilding the country.