Hoge Vertegenwoordiger Ashton blij met verloop verkiezingen in Angola (en)

EUROPEAN UNION

Brussels, 4 September 2012 A

Statement by the Spokesperson of EU High Representative, Catherine Ashton i on the general elections in Angola on 31 August 2012

The spokesperson of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice President of the Commission Catherine Ashton issued the following statement today:

"Pending announcement of the final results of the elections, we take note of an overall efficient organisation of the voting process and the peaceful atmosphere that marked it. The Angolan people have again demonstrated their commitment to peace and multi-party democracy, in an important period in the country's development 10 years after peace was achieved in 2002.

Upon invitation by the Angolan authorities, the European Union sent an Election Expert Mission to Angola and supported the training of election observers from civil society organisations. We welcome the announcement that challenges to the election results would be dealt with via the proper legal channels.

The European Union is a committed partner of Angola. Our relationship was recently strengthened by the signing of the "EU-Angola Joint Way Forward", which seeks to deepen the relationship between the European Union and Angola through the reinforcement ofpolitical dialogue and existing cooperation."