Brussels, 15/05/2006 (Agence Europe) - On 15 May the Council of the EU adopted conclusions noting the date of 30 July 2006 for parliamentary and presidential elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo and announces that the Union will contribute to the effective functions of the elections by sending an observation mission to monitor them (EUROPE 9185 and 9186). The Council points out that it will also be necessary for setting a date as soon as possible for a second round of presidential, provincial and “indirect elections to the Senate”, which are possible, and to confirm the holding of municipal and local elections. The Council is calling on countries in the region to use their influence to help support the elections and welcomes in this context, “the continuing action of the United States of America”. At the same time, it says that it is concerned by the situation in the East of the country (Ituri, Kivu and Northern Katanga) and by the “absence of some groups from the army integration process”. It highlights the need for strict respect of the arms embargo against armed groups, overseen by the UN and welcomes Resolution 1671 of the Security Council authorising during the election period, the deployment of the EUFOR RD Congo mission, as requested by the UN (EUROPE 9182). The Council points out that the EUPOL mission for training the integrated police unit in Kinshasa will be reinforced during elections. The EU says that it is “determined” to support the authorities elected during these elections and underlines the importance of reform in the security sector by indicating “options will be examined which enable a comprehensive approach in conducting actions to promote it”.