27/11/23 (Agence Europe) – The armed conflict in the east of the DRC and the general elections on 20 December were the focus of a recent meeting between the EU High Representative, Josep Borrell, and the Congolese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Christophe Lutundula. According to a European External Action Service press release published on Friday 24 November, Mr Borrell welcomed the recent efforts undertaken by the two parties under the aegis of the United States with a view to de-escalation and recalled that the commitments made in the context of the Luanda and Nairobi processes must be implemented without delay by all parties. With regard to the elections that the EU will be observing (see EUROPE 13286/25), the High Representative welcomed the certification of all 26 candidates and the determination of the Congolese authorities to respect the scheduled date. He reiterated the importance of a fully inclusive, free, transparent and peaceful electoral process. (AN)