Angola: Statement by EU Commission President Barroso on elections

Angola has just held its first legislative elections since the end of the war in 2002, the second since its independence in 1975. While we await the final report of the EU Election Observation Mission, I would like to congratulate the Angolan people for their participation and for the enthusiasm they showed with democracy, especially since for many Angolans this was the first opportunity to express their will through the ballot box. After such a devastating war as the one Angola suffered, these elections are a step towards the consolidation of a multi-party democracy, a fundamental element for peace, stability, and socio-economic development.

The European Commission and the European Union have been partners of Angola throughout its history as an independent State. This solidarity translated, first under the Lomé Conventions and then the Cotonou Partnership Agreement, into substantial humanitarian aid and development assistance during the long and difficult period of war, the peace, reconstruction, and national reconciliation processes. I am certain that a climate of peace and freedom will contribute to strengthening the ties of friendship and cooperation that exist between the European Union and Angola.

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• Angola: EU Presidency Declaration by the Presidency on general elections (24/9/2008)
• EU Presidency Declaration on Angola  (10/9/2008)
• Angola: L'Union européenne déploie une mission d'observation électorale (1/8/2008)