The European Union (EU) has said that it welcomes the agreement signed by the Ivorian parties at the negotiation meeting in Pretoria, South Africa.

In a statement issued in Brussels Thursday, EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana reiterated his appreciation and full support for the mediation efforts carried out by South African President Thabo Mbeki on behalf of the African Union.

He welcomed the solemn joint declaration of the end of war in Cote d'Ivoire and urged the Ivorian parties to implement without delay all provisions included in the agreement.

Solana said that a lasting solution to the conflict can only be obtained through free, democratic and inclusive elections and welcomed the decision of the Ivorian parties to request the United Nations to participate in the organization of general elections.

He said that he was ready to join efforts with the African Union, the Economic Community Of West African States, the United Nations and all other international partners in order to secure peace and stability and to promote reconciliation and democracy in the West African country.

(Xinhua News Agency April 8, 2005)