21/11/2006 (Agence Europe) - In a declaration published by the Finnish EU Council Presidency on 20 November, the European Union “acknowledges” the results of the presidential elections held on 5 November 2006 in Nicaragua, and congratulates Mr Daniel Ortega Saavedra for his election as the President of the Republic of Nicaragua. “The European Union notes with satisfaction the high turnout of voters, demonstrating the commitment to a peaceful and democratic process by the people of Nicaragua. The European Union Election Observation Mission has in its preliminary report stated that the elections have been adequately administered in a peaceful, competitive and transparent manner, giving way to a further consolidation of the democratic evolution of the country”, the declaration reads. The EU states it is also convinced that the new government will pursue vigorously the continuation of macro-economic stability and poverty alleviation, and stresses the “importance of respect for human rights and international human rights agreements, good governance and the fight against corruption, all of which are crucial for the future prosperity of the country and the well-being of its citizens”. (hb)