Brussels, 26/10/2009 (Agence Europe) - The situation in the Great Lakes region of Africa is being discussed by EU foreign ministers at their meeting in Luxembourg. The conclusions document to be adopted by the politicians without debate on Tuesday 27 October 2009 encourages the peace work to continue in the region. There is a blot on the horizon, however, in the situation in the east of the Democratic Republic of (DRC), which remains a major source of concern for the European Union in terms of security and the alarming humanitarian crisis.
The Council welcomed the sharp improvement in diplomatic relations between the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighbouring Rwanda. It stressed the importance of consolidating peace and stability in Eastern DRC and called on the two neighbouring countries to fully implement the Nairobi Peace Agreement and the 23 March 2009 Ihusi Peace Agreement.
The Council 'remains deeply concerned at the severe humanitarian situation in the Eastern DRC, caused by attacks and atrocities carried out by the FDLR and the LRA, but in many cases also by the Congolese army, FARDC, against the local population during Kimia II and Rudia II operations. The Council condemns in particular the ongoing recruitment of child soldiers and the widespread sexual violence. It urges all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law and human rights, including the protection of civilians.'
'The Council calls on the Government of the DRC to ensure without exception that those responsible for violations of international law, including human rights and international humanitarian law, are held accountable. Timely vetting of FARDC commanders and soldiers is of crucial importance in this respect. The Council reiterates its full support for the International Criminal Court activities in the region.'
'The Council welcomes President Kabila's 'zero tolerance campaign' against sexual violence as an important step to address the issue of impunity. The EU is prepared to support the Congolese authorities and international organisations in a comprehensive approach to fight sexual and gender-based violence.'
'The Council states that security sector reform will remain a key priority for the EU in the DRC.'
The Council welcomes the significant progress achieved in the peace process in Burundi and urges the Burundi government to do all it can to hold general elections next year that are free, fair and transparent. (A.N. trans fl)