The European Union is gravely concerned by the recent developments in Madagascar, which have led to deposition of the democratically elected President, Marc Ravalomanana, by force.

The EU urges the Malagasy parties to comply fully with the provisions of the Constitution of Madagascar on a vacancy in the Presidency

The EU reaffirms its commitment to respect democratic and constitutional principles, the rule of law and human rights and condemns all attempts to seize power through undemocratic measures.

The Candidate Countries Croatia* and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, and the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Armenia and Georgia align themselves with this declaration.

* Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.