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

Press release 512/2006
5 December, 2006

The European Union congratulates Mr. Rafael Correa Delgado for his election as the President of the Republic of Ecuador.

The EU notes with satisfaction that the elections of 26 November 2006 took place in a peaceful and transparent atmosphere, thereby further consolidating democracy and political culture in Ecuador.

The EU reiterates its determination to continue supporting Ecuador in its effort to strengthen democratic institutions and to alleviate poverty, inequality and social exclusion in the framework of the national unity of the country.

The EU trusts that the new administration will continue emphasizing the importance of democracy, rule of law and respect for human rights, good governance and the fight against corruption, all of which are essential for the future prosperity of Ecuador and the well-being of 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, 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.