19/12/2005 (Agence Europe) - In a declaration on behalf of the EU, the British EU Council Presidency welcomed the holding of free and peaceful presidential elections in Honduras on 27 November, and congratulated the president, Jose Manuel Zelaya Rosales. The Presidency declaration reads: “Democracy has been further consolidated in recent years. This election was the first organised after the approval of the new Law for elections and political organisations and the European Union urges all political parties of Honduras to keep on strengthening the institutionalisation of the electoral process. The European Union notes the economic progress and advances towards fiscal stability achieved under President Maduro. It will continue its support for the democratic, economic and social development of Honduras. The EU looks forward to strengthening its ties with Honduras, in particular within the framework of regional cooperation with Central America.”