EU Presidency Declaration on Parliamentary Elections in Burundi

The European Union welcomes the peaceful conduct of the National Assembly elections in Burundi on 4 July. These elections represent an important step in Burundi's transition towards democracy and durable peace. The EU congratulates the Burundian people who showed their commitment to ensuring a stable and democratic future for their country.

The EU further welcomes the work of the European Union Observation Mission in Burundi and its conclusions that the elections were, despite some minor irregularities and allegations of fraud, generally in accordance with international standards. The EU also acknowledges the key role played by the CENI (National Electoral Commission) in organising, and by ONUB and the international community in facilitating these polls. The EU commends the active role of the Regional Initiative and its strong political support to the holding of the elections.

The EU calls upon all parties in Burundi to respect the results of these elections and to continue to demonstrate their commitment to democracy. The EU urges the parties to refrain from any action that would negatively affect the electoral process or undermine progress made.

The EU reiterates its commitment to accompanying Burundi towards a successful conclusion to the transition and to building a peaceful, democratic and prosperous future.

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

* Croatia continues to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.

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• Solana adresse ses félicitations à Nkurunziza, nouveau Président du Burundi (29/8/2005)
• EU Presidency Statement on Presidential elections in Burundi (23/8/2005)
• EU Presidency Statement - ECOSOC: Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Burundi  (18/7/2005)
• Déclaration du Commissaire Michel au sujet des élections législatives au Burundi. (7/7/2005)
• EU Election Observation Mission deployed for Burundi  (14/6/2005)
• EU Presidency declaration on the referendum for the adoption of a new constitution in Burundi (4/3/2005)