Brussels, 16/03/2001 (Agence Europe) - It is a climate qualified as "cordial and constructive" by the European Commission that unfolded, this Friday, the meeting between its President, Romano Prodi, and the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Joseph Kabila. The talks mainly covered the gradual resumption of development cooperation. Mr Prodi confirmed the Commission's desire to begin a progressive resumption of aid, cut off since 1992, and to free the credits from the 7th and 8th European Development Fund (EDF) namely EUR 120 million. These funds should act to accompany the peace process by financing interventions in fields such as health and food security. The EDF credits and other resources will be granted in relation to the progress accomplished by the Congolese authorities in the peace process and in the transition towards democracy. He notably encourages President Kabila "to follow up his political statements, particularly as far as the respect of human right, political freedoms and freedom of speech are concerned". The Commission gave its assent to a convention covering a contribution of EUR 28 million to a rehabilitation programme of the judicial system. This programme is aimed at restoring the rule of law and will be implemented by the Commission.