Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union on the Presidential Elections in Venezuela

Press release 520/2006
7 December, 2006

The European Union congratulates Mr. Hugo Chávez Frías on his re-election as President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, as well as the people and the political forces of the country for their mature electoral action.

The EU notes with satisfaction that the elections of 3 December 2006 took place in a peaceful and transparent atmosphere, thus providing a good basis for the further development of democratic institutions and political dialogue in Venezuela. The EU also appreciates the courtesies extended by the National Electoral Council to the EU Electoral Observation Mission.

The EU reiterates its determination to support consolidation of democracy and good governance in Venezuela, as well as alleviation of poverty, inequality and exclusion. The EU also supports the fight by the Government against corruption, and for the promotion of tolerance. These are all essential for the well-being of Venezuela and its citizens.

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, Montenegro, Serbia and the EFTA countries Iceland 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.