European Union’s Statement On Nigeria

Source: thewillnigeria.com

San Francisco March 01, (THEWILL) - The European Union issued a statement on Monday on President Umaru Yar'Adua's return to the country and the Union's stand on the nation's democracy.

A representative of Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission in the statement said, "The European Union welcomes news of the return of President Yar'Adua to Abuja. The EU extends its best wishes to the President and his family and continues to hope that he will make a good and complete recovery from his illness.

"The EU acknowledges the challenge posed by uncertainty in the political process in Nigeria at the present time, and commends the will of the democratic institutions of Nigeria to remain faithful to the principles of democracy, responsible governance and the rule of law.

"In this perspective the EU encourages the efforts of Acting President Goodluck Jonathan and the Government of Nigeria to foster stability in the country and sub-region. The EU also underlines its support for the Government of Nigeria's resolve to ensure the continuity of democracy and to tackle the many challenges facing the nation," the statement added.

On January 29, 2010, the EU, US, British and French government issued a joint statement on Nigeria which addressed the violence in Jos, Yar'Adua's ailment, the amnesty deal in the Niger Delta and electoral reform.