Brussels, 28/12/2005 (Agence Europe) - In a press release issued on 23 January, EU High Representative for CFSP, Javier Solana, 'congratulates the Congolese people, the Independent Electoral Commission and MONUC on the successful holding of a Referendum on the new Congolese constitution on 18 December 2005,' in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). 'Given the formidable logistical challenges with which they were confronted the organisers did a remarkable job, and the Congolese people responded magnificently by voting in large numbers in most parts of the country, in a positive and peaceful atmosphere. This was a landmark day in the history of the country and its return to democracy.' He said the UN's peace-keeping mission MONUC had been vital in the process and the success had also been partly due to the EU's activity in the DRC. Solana said the EU would continue to back the DRC's return to peace and called on the Congolese authorities to maintain the momentum to ensure the stipulated timetable in the Global and Inclusive Agreement for completion of the Transition and the holding of elections by 30 June 2006 can be met.