Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union

Following the Second Round of Elections in Guatemala

The European Union welcomes the free and fair holding of the presidential elections in Guatemala of 7 January, to which it contributed by sending forty­four observers. The European Union congratulates President­elect Mr Alvaro Arzu Irigoyen, trusting that during his mandate Guatemala will be able to continue on the path towards peace, consolidation of democratic institutions, reduction in social unbalances ­ with particular attention to the needs of the indigenous peoples ­ and progress in the area of human rights. The Union hopes that the peace process will continue uninterrupted and head for a rapid conclusion with the signing of the final peace agreements.

The Central and Eastern European countries associated with the European Union and the associated countries Cyprus and Malta align themselves with this declaration.