    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book I)]
    [June 20, 2005]
    [Pages 1027-1028]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Joint Statement by the European Union and the United States Working
    Together To Promote Democracy and Support Freedom, the Rule of Law and
    Human Rights Worldwide
    June 20, 2005

        The European Union and the United States believe that the spread of
    accountable and representative government, the rule of law, and respect
    for human rights as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human
    Rights, are a strategic priority as well as a moral necessity. We will
    continue to work together to advance these priorities around the world.
        The work of the United Nations is central both to democracy and
    human rights. We welcome the proposals put forward by Kofi Annan to renew the UN's commitment and enhance its
    effectiveness in these areas. Specifically, we value the UN Secretary
    General's initiatives for reforming the UN human rights mechanisms and
    for creating a Peacebuilding Commission. We pledge to support the
    establishment of the UN Democracy Fund to assist countries in
    strengthening civil society and democratic institutions.
        We express our admiration and pledge our support for all those
    engaged in the defense of freedom, democracy and human rights, in many
    cases at great personal risk.
        We are encouraged by the efforts of many governments to open their
    societies and political systems. Recognizing that democratic reform is a
    process that deserves our support, we promise our solidarity and support
    to those promoting democracy around the world, be it in Ukraine,
    Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Iraq, Afghanistan, or elsewhere. We will
    continue to support pluralism and the development of civil society, and
    will encourage the political participation of women and minorities.
        Free and fair elections are central to democracy. We congratulate
    the many thousands of citizens who have participated in organizing and
    observing elections in their own countries and abroad. We pledge to
    support the work of the United Nations in assisting in the organization
    of elections and will work together in multilateral fora to further
    strengthen international election standards and to spread the
    implementation of objective and fair election assessment mechanisms. We
    support the principles of impartially-conducted and transparent election
    administration and observation and commend the efforts undertaken by
    various regional organizations such as the OSCE

    [[Page 1028]]

    or civil society in this context. We will continue to support the
    holding of free and fair elections in countries undergoing or desiring
    democratic transitions, including in Afghanistan, Haiti, DRC, Iraq, and
    in the Palestinian territories.
        Democracy is not just a matter of elections; it must be anchored in
    democratic institutions, separation of powers, human rights, the rule of
    law, tolerance, good governance, and justice. Our assistance to third
    countries increasingly takes into account the need to sustain democracy
    in all these dimensions.
        We have worked closely to create a Europe whole, free, and at peace;
    both the EU and NATO have played an important part in this, and continue
    to do so. We are confident that the reform process in the Balkans will
    further the region's successful integration into Europe. The European
    Neighborhood Policy and U.S. support for democratic and economic
    transitions will contribute further to stability, prosperity and
    partnership. We will in particular continue to coordinate our efforts to
    promote democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights in
    Belarus.
        We are witnessing a growing desire for reform in the Middle East and
    welcome recent democratic developments. Democratic elections in the
    Palestinian territories, Iraq, and Lebanon have successfully taken
    place. We recognize the importance of transparent and fair elections and
    the need to expand freedom and opportunity across the region. We
    reaffirm our commitments made at Dromoland and Sea Island, and our
    support for the Forum for the Future and other elements of the G-8 BMENA
    Initiative. Recognizing that the threat of conflict can undermine
    democratic reforms, we commit ourselves to support those who are working
    for the resolution of conflicts, in the Middle East and elsewhere.
        We have both encouraged the growth of democratic institutions in
    many countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. We acknowledge the
    important contributions by regional and multilateral organizations, as
    well as initiatives such as the Community of Democracies, to promote
    democracy and respect for fundamental human rights.
        We recognize that differences in history, culture and society mean
    that the paths taken towards democracy and the rule of law will be
    different and that the systems of government that result will be varied,
    reflecting local traditions and preferences. Democracy, while it is
    based on universal values, will not be uniform. However, the desire for
    justice, freedom, human rights, and accountable and representative
    government is universal. In the long term, only systems responsive to
    the wishes of the people they govern can achieve political stability.

    Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of
    this joint statement.