06/02/2008 (Agence Europe) - In a press release published on 6 February, the Slovenian presidency of the EU welcomed the resumption on Wednesday 30 January in Juba of peace negotiations suspended since May 2007 between the rebel forces of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) and the Ugandan government. “The EU is pleased to note the improved security situation for the population in Northern Uganda and Southern Sudan…This will facilitate the return of displaced persons” (almost two million of them). It points out that for the first time in many years, “there is not a real chance for reconstruction and long-term development in Northern Uganda”. It also says that it is hoping that a final agreement will be signed soon. (A.B.)