EU External Relations Council Conclusions on Democratic Republic of Congo

The EU Council adopted the following conclusions:

"The Council recalls the importance of completing the transition process in the Democratic Republic of Congo which is also essential for fostering peace and stability throughout the Great Lakes region. The successful referendum of 18-19 December 2005 has demonstrated the importance the Congolese people attach to the democratic process. The forthcoming electoral process will be a key step to that effect. The Council welcomes the promulgation of the new Constitution and the adoption of the electoral law. The Council encourages the Transitional National Government, the political parties, their leaders and the civil society to work together to ensure peaceful, fair and transparent elections according to international standards which should contribute significantly to securing DRC´s future as a democratic and stable country. The Council underlines that the agreed timetable of the transition, including the elections before the end of June 2006, should be respected.

The Council recalls the EU's engagement in the DRC, notably by its sustained and continued support to the transition, including the electoral process, provided through the European Development Fund (EDF) and the European Commission, the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) missions and the EU mission to provide advice and assistance for security sector reform in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
(EUSEC RD Congo) and the European Union Police Mission in Kinshasa (EUPOL Kinshasa) as well as through bilateral support by Member States.

The Council recalls its conclusions of 12 December 2005 on the importance of a stable and secure environment for the elections. This is first and foremost the responsibility of the transition government, supported by United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC). In that context, following a request by the UN, the Council is considering how best to provide support to the UN in this endeavour. To this end, contacts with the UN and the DRC authorities are being pursued, as well as with the AU."

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• EU Presidency Statement - United Nations Security Council Public Meeting on the Democratic Republic of Congo (6/7/2006)
• The Democratic Republic of Congo: Envisaged EU military operation in support of MONUC (3/4/2006)
• Democratic Republic of Congo: EU Council launches planning for an EU operation in support of MONUC during the electoral process (23/3/2006)
• Speech by EU Commissioner Michel: Setting a new course in co-operation between Europe and Africa (25/2/2006)
• European Commission and the Southern African region discuss the European Development Fund for 2008-2013 (24/2/2006)
• The EC and the World Bank at the forefront of aid to Africa (23/2/2006)
• Discours de Louis MICHEL - Le Plan d'Action Humanitaire, un outil pour redonner de la dignité à des millions de Congolais (13/2/2006)
• EU Presidency Statement - Peace, Security and Development in the Great Lakes (27/1/2006)