EU Presidency declaration on the electoral process in Burundi

The European Union is keeping a close watch on the development of the peace process in Burundi. The establishment of the United Nations peace-keeping operation (ONUB) on 1 June 2004 under the direction of the Secretary-General's Special Representative Ms Carolyn McAskie constitutes an unprecedented international commitment for Burundi. It is vital that Burundi underpins this international commitment with a political will that is equal to the political, reconstruction and development challenges.

The European Union reiterates its support, in particular its financial support, for the DDR process and the reform of the defence and security forces. It is the European Union's wish that all the players involved (the Burundian army, the former armed movements, the World Bank via the MDRP programme, and the other bilateral and international players) maintain close operational coordination under the aegis of the ONUB so that the process can be fully implemented.

In order to maintain the momentum of peace and national reconciliation, the European Union's desire is that the electoral process provided for in the Arusha Agreement be set in motion in a decisive, credible and reassuring way for all sections of Burundian society.

The European Union considers that the urgent setting up of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the adoption of the electoral code and communal law, and the adoption by referendum of the post-transition Constitution would start the process rapidly and definitively. The European Union remains prepared to provide technical and financial assistance, in close collaboration with the ONUB, in implementing the electoral commitments laid down in the Arusha Agreement.

The European Union reiterates its firm support for the mediator, the South African Vice-President Jacob Zuma, and calls on the various political players in Burundi to conclude rapidly, under his aegis, a definitive agreement on the outstanding issues, and, in particular, certain arrangements for political representation following the forthcoming elections.

The European Union reiterates its appeal yet again to Agathon Rwasa's FNL armed movement to cease armed combat and finally opt for negotiations in order to cooperate in the political and socio-economic reconstruction of the country.

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