26/11/2001 (Agence Europe) - The Belgian EU Council Presidency issued the following statement on 21 November: "The EU welcomes the smooth organisation, the manner and the results of the two rounds of local and parliamentary elections held in Mauritania on 19 and 26 October 2001. They allowed for proper participation of all electors in an atmosphere of normality and democratic openness. The EU also welcomes the fact that the results of those local and parliamentary elections reflect the political pluralism shown by the Mauritanian electorate. The EU calls on the authorities and on all Mauritanian parties to maintain a constructive political dialogue so as to strengthen confidence in democratic institutions and create an environment in which all shades of opinion can be freely expressed".