European Union

Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security

Policy and Vice-President of the Commission, made today the following statement:

"I welcome the completion of the Presidential and Legislative elections in Liberia, following the declaration of final results by the National Elections Commission on 15 November, and call on all political parties to accept the results.

I congratulate President Johnson Sirleaf for her re-election, the Liberian people for having exercised their right to vote and the candidates that have run for election for the responsibility that they have accepted to shoulder. I equally congratulate the National Elections Commission for having made every effort to conduct the elections in a credible and transparent fashion, in line with international and regional standards. The standard set meant that there should have been no obstacle to full participation in the elections by all parties.

I deeply regret the violence and loss of human life that occurred on 7 November, which contrasted sharply with the peaceful and participatory atmosphere that until then had marked the elections process. I welcome the launching of an independent investigation and call for its findings to be made public.

Finally, I reiterate the European Union's commitment to continue engaging with Liberia and the newly elected Government to accompany and support the country and its people towards further economic and social development with opportunities for all, national reconciliation, good governance, and peace."