Brussels, 13/12/2005 (Agence Europe) - In conclusions adopted on Monday, the Council of the EU reaffirmed 'its commitment to a peaceful, democratic and prosperous DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo), as part of a stable Great Lakes region. The forthcoming referendum on 18 December represents a first historic step in the progress towards democracy in the DRC,' (see EUROPE 9086). 'The EU will monitor the referendum through an Electoral Observation mission. The Council recalled that the transition in the DRC should be concluded by 30 June 2006, in line with the Global and Inclusive Agreement. The Council notes the need for the DRC Parliament to adopt the electoral law without delay… it is vital that… in the run-up to the elections, political parties and politicians sign up to, and respect, the electoral code of conduct. The Council notes the need for the media to act responsibly in this regard, and for the DRC authorities to guarantee the freedom of expression and security of journalists.'
The Council furthermore notes that a stable security environment for elections requires a significant increase in the capacity of the Congolese integrated army and police, and that the EU is playing an important role in this respect through its mission to provide support to security sector reform, EUSEC RD/Congo, and through its police mission, EUPOL Kinshasa… The Council urges all countries concerns to continue their efforts in support of the transition process in the DRC and to improve regional cooperation, while fully respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries in the region. In this context, the Council encourages all the countries in the Great Lakes region to create a political environment conductive to the holding of the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region as soon as feasible in 2006….The Council reiterates its strong support for the ICC (International Criminal Court) and its view that there should be no impunity for genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes. The Council regards the issuing of the warrant by the ICC, in the framework of its enquiry on Uganda, as a first historic step and calls on all governments involved to continue and cooperate with the ICC in order to facilitate the progress of the investigation in the DRC an the arrest of the individuals subject to the warrant delivered by the Court.'
'The Council reiterates its full support to the Comite International d'Accompagnement de la Transition (CIAT), and encourages the Transitional Institutions of the DRC to continue cooperating with this body with a view to achieving full success of the political transition. The Council reiterates its commitment to continuing to provide political, technical and logistical support through the transition process and beyond, but notes that, for this support to be effective, there needs to be a clear commitment by the government to good governance and, reflecting the desire of the Congolese people, to see progress towards lasting peace and stability in their country.'