The European Union resolutely condemns the orchestrated acts of violence which have been taking place in Côte d'Ivoire, particularly in Abidjan, since Monday 16 January, and also the attacks on the UNOCI contingent. These acts constitute a serious impediment to the peace process.
The European Union calls on all political players to bring these unacceptable acts to an end immediately, and requests that all necessary measures be taken to ensure the safety of the international and diplomatic presence.
The European Union, which is a member of the International Working Group, reiterates its full support for Prime Minister Konan Banny with a view to the successful completion of the transition process initiated by the African Union in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1633, which is binding on all parties in Côte d'Ivoire. The fundamental aim of this process is the holding of uncontestable elections in Côte d'Ivoire by 31 October 2006.
The Acceding Countries Bulgaria and Romania, the Candidate Countries Turkey, Croatia* and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro, and the 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 and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.