Sumario: November 5, 2002: Statement by H.E. Ambassador Ellen Margrethe Løj, Permanent Representative of Denmark to the UN, on behalf of the European Union, at the open meeting of the Security Council. The situation concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo (New York)
Mr. President,
I have the honor to speak on behalf of the European Union. The countries of Central and Eastern Europe associated with the European Union - Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and the associated countries - Cyprus, Malta, Turkey, as well as the EFTA country of the European Economic Area - Iceland, align themselves with this statement.
Allow me to commend the Presidency of the Security Council on convening this open session on the important final report of the Panel of Experts on the Illegal Exploitation of Natural Resources and Other Forms of Wealth of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The EU would like to underline the importance of discussing the economic aspects of conflicts in general and especially the connections between political and economic dynamics in conflict situations. We therefore welcome an open and
transparent debate regarding the problems of resource exploitation.
The EU welcomes the final report and commends the expert panel for its investigations and recommendations.
The EU is looking forward to the outcome of the debate in the Security Council on the report.
The situation described in the report is most disturbing. The economic aspects of the conflict and especially the illegal exploitation of natural resources have fuelled the conflict and increased the human suffering. The conflict has dramatic consequences for the civilian population of the Democratic Republic of Congo, especially in the Eastern parts. The continuation of these illegal economic activities constitutes a serious obstacle for a peaceful resolution of the conflict. This is
unacceptable by all moral, ethical and political standards.
Parties to the conflict at all levels have, according to the report, taken part in the illegal exploitation; governments, government officials including army officers, local administrations, individuals, armed groups and companies have been involved. The report claims that elite networks continue the illegal exploitation of the DRC despite the positive political and military dynamic created by the agreements of Pretoria and Luanda - and despite the two previous reports from the UN expert panel.
We must allow the Governments accused of this to take the floor here to defend themselves - but if true this must be strongly condemned from all sides - and stopped.
Evidently, combating such well-organized exploitation will not be simple. It will require consolidated action by the international community and national governments both in the Great Lakes region and elsewhere - based on a process of thorough consideration and analysis. The conclusions and recommendations of the panel report will be important input into this process.
The report suggests the creation of forceful incentives and disincentives to change the present patterns of illegal exploitation. Investments and exploitation of resources in a legal and sustainable way should be encouraged, thereby contributing to the economic stability of the whole region - benefiting the populations at large. The European Union agrees that the international community must undertake efforts to fight those illegal practices, and put pressure on those involved in these
activities.
We must focus on how to control the utilisation of natural resources. Securing the national borders of the DRC is an important step in this regard. Furthermore, the European Union will closely examine the recommendations listed in the report regarding putting financial and technical measures in place, the need for institutional reform and ensuring a peace dividend. Full implementation of the Lusaka Agreement will create an environment conducive to international investments and further
development assistance.
The EU echoes the report's call on national governments of all countries where individuals, companies and financial institutions involved in illegal activities are based to assume their part of the responsibility. They should ensure that these individuals and entities are made accountable - while ensuring them the right and opportunity to defend themselves against the accusations.
The EU considers it important that Governments urge private enterprises to adhere to the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. The EU stresses the importance of the Kimberley Process, which aims at organising the certificates of origin system in the diamond sector.
Restrictions on certain business enterprises and individuals may be necessary to curb the illegal exploitation of the natural resources of the DRC. The EU is ready to assist the Security Council in this regard.
The EU shares the analysis that the establishment of an inclusive, transitional government in Kinshasa is very important. The EU has continuously called upon all Congolese parties to reach an all-inclusive agreement on power sharing and transitional institutions.
The EU also supports the conclusion that all rebel groups in the DRC should be disarmed and all foreign forces withdrawn in accordance with existing peace agreements. The EU has constantly reminded all parties to the conflict of their obligations in this regard.
The EU is considering the panel's call on holding an international conference on peace, security, democracy and sustainable development in the Great Lakes Region. Such a conference could provide a platform for addressing a number of the cross boarder challenges of importance to the conflict. Furthermore, it could address issues concerning the future stability and development of the region, including strengthened regional integration and cooperation. The European Union stands ready to discuss
cooperation with the countries of the region, the United Nations and the African Union on such a conference.
EU supports the recommendation on establishing a monitoring mechanism.
Allow me to conclude by reaffirming the commitment of the European Union to contribute to bringing the illegal exploitation of the resources of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to an end. The EU will continuously engage in cooperation with the countries of the region and the international community to secure peace, stability, democracy and sustainable development to the Great Lakes region.
Thank you, Mr. President.
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