Brussels, 23/01/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 23 January, the team of international special envoys for the African Great Lakes region - including Koen Vervaeke, the EU coordinator for this region - said it was deeply concerned about the recent surge in violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and called for credible elections to be held, respecting the planned timetable (see EUROPE 11235).
In a joint statement, the special envoys condemn “any use of force against peaceful, unarmed demonstrators and arbitrary arrests” and they reiterate their support for “a credible, timely, inclusive and peaceful electoral process”.
They encourage all the parties - government, opposition and civil society - to make use of the United Nations mediation to facilitate “an inclusive and transparent dialogue between all stakeholders” in line with the Security Council resolutions. (AN)