Brussels, 27/02/2006 (Agence Europe) - At a Monday meeting in Brussels EU foreign affairs ministers stressed the importance of completing the transition process in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), essential for fostering peace and stability throughout the Great Lakes region. The conclusions adopted by the Council relayed this message by highlighting the need to respect the timetable agreed on, geared to holding elections before the end of June 2006. The Council welcomed the success of the referendum of 18-19 December 2005, the promulgation of the new Constitution and the adoption of the electoral law as steps in the right direction and called on the Transitional National Government, political parties, their leaders and civil society to work together to ensure peaceful, fair and transparent elections according to international standards, which should contribute significantly to securing the DRC's future as a democratic and stable country. The Council recalls the EU's engagement in the DRC, by its sustained and continued support to the transition, including the electoral process, provided through the EDF and the EC and ESDP missions EUSEC RD Congo and EUPOL Kinshasa as well as through bilateral support by Member States. The Council emphasises that it is above all the responsibility of the transition government, supported by MONUC, to guarantee a stable and secure environment for holding elections. In this context, following a request by the UN, the Council is considering how best to provide support to the UN in this endeavour and is currently examining how the EU could best support MONUC in efforts to this end.