Brussels, 13/04/2007 (Agence Europe) - The EU has welcomed the peaceful way the first round of presidential elections, provisional results of which were given on 11 April, passed off in Timor Leste and has called for all political forces to ensure the electoral process is concluded successfully. In a press release published on 12 April on behalf of the EU, the German presidency says: “The EU congratulates the Timorese population who have shown their commitment to democracy and peace by participating in huge numbers in a generally peaceful way in the first presidential elections since independence in 2002. The EU regards these elections as an important milestone on the road to nation-building and to re-establishing stable democratic structures and accountable democratic institutions. The EU calls on all political forces to accept the results of the elections, including the upcoming runoff election, and adhere to the principles of non-violence and legal processes to ensure that the elections have a unifying impact and contribute to bringing the people of Timor-Leste together. The EU Member States and the European Commission remain fully committed to assist Timor-Leste in completing this year´s election process and will continue to monitor the forthcoming elections. The EU Member States and the European Commission underline their support for Timor-Leste to address the challenges ahead to rebuild the security sector, to reestablish the rule of law and to guarantee the further socio-economic development of the population of Timor-Leste”. (an)