EU Presidency Statement - Elections in Liberia

Statement by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union on the elections in Liberia

The European Union is pleased to note that the elections in Liberia on 8 November passed generally peacefully, and with a significant voter turnout.

We welcome the generally good organisation of the elections by the National Elections Commission, and the support of the United Nation's Mission in Liberia peacekeeping force, including in helping to maintain a secure and peaceful environment for the vote. We commend both parties for their conduct during campaigning and on voting day itself.

This Presidential election is an important achievement in Liberia's return to a normally functioning state. The European Union congratulates the people of Liberia for demonstrating a clear commitment to peace and democracy, and a desire to move on from the period of the conflict that has beset their nation.

The European Union calls upon the candidates, their parties and supporters, to continue to demonstrate the responsible attitude which they have shown during campaigning and voting, and to abide by established procedures. The EU Election Observation Mission will remain in Liberia to monitor all remaining aspects of the electoral process, including the appeals and complaints procedures.

The European Union reaffirms its intention to continue to support Liberia on its path towards a stable democratic future, and to work together with the democratically elected government and President of Liberia. The European Union also takes this opportunity to reiterate the importance of the new government, Senate and House of Representatives co-operating fully with the international community in ensuring that former President Charles Taylor is brought before the Special Court for Sierra Leone.

The Acceding Countries Bulgaria and Romania, the Candidate Countries Turkey and Croatia*, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro, 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 continues to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.

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• European Commission proposes to resume normal relations with Liberia (2/6/2006)
• EU Commissioner Michel to visit Liberia for Sirleaf investiture  (13/1/2006)
• EU Presidency Statement on Liberia elections (14/10/2005)
• Liberia: EU Election Observation Mission for Presidential and Parliamentary Elections (16/9/2005)
• European Commission earmarks €4.7 million for Liberian and Congolese refugees (19/7/2005)