European Union Declaration on the Presidential Election In Haiti

Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union following the presidential election in Haiti

Brussels, 21 February 2006 - In view of the preliminary statement by the European Union Election Observation Mission, the European Union expresses its satisfaction that the presidential and parliamentary elections of 7 February passed off peacefully and notes that they will have marked an important step forward for the democratic process.

The European Union welcomes the high turnout by and the serious engagement of the people of Haiti in exercising their democratic right to choose their future leaders, despite the major technical and logistical problems encountered during the organisation of the vote.

The European Union welcomes the fact that a significant turning point has been reached in carrying through the democratic transition process.

The European Union congratulates the President of Haiti, Mr René Préval, on his new mandate and reaffirms its lasting commitment to the people and authorities of Haiti in their efforts to rebuild and develop their country.

The European Union underlines the importance of the second round of parliamentary elections and hopes that their successful conduct will serve to cement the rule of law and complete the establishment of strong, stable institutions capable of completely fulfilling the role assigned to them under the Constitution.

As Haiti enters a new chapter in its history, it is vital that all political and social forces make national reconciliation the watchword for the dialogue they pursue, in order to achieve the political, economic and social stability that the country needs for its development.

The Acceding Countries Bulgaria and Romania, the Candidate Countries Turkey, Croatia* and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro, and the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova align themselves with this declaration.

* Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.