Brussels, 28/08/2006 (Agence Europe) - During its extraordinary meeting on 25 August essentially devoted to Lebanon (EUROPE 9252), the General Affairs/External Relations Council adopted the following conclusions on acts of violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo after the results of the first round of presidential elections were announced, and on the role played by EUFOR to restore calm, at the request of MONUC (see EUROPE 9248 and 9249). The conclusions read: “The European Union has noted the results of the first round of the presidential election, published by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). It pays tribute to the Congolese people, who turned out to vote in very large numbers, and congratulates the IEC, which worked to ensure that voting was properly conducted. It also acknowledges the crucial role played by the United Nations. The European Union deplores and condemns the unacceptable acts of violence which occurred in Kinshasa between 20 and 22 August. It appeals to Congolese leaders' sense of responsibility, and especially the two candidates in the second round of the presidential election, President Kabila and Vice-President Bemba, to show restraint and refrain from any provocation. The European Union asks the parties to implement without delay and adhere scrupulously to all measures required to bring the situation in the capital back to normal, in line with the agreement made public on 22 August. The European Union reiterates that the democratic process under way must be taken to its conclusion and that the use of force in any form is unacceptable. Any disagreements must be resolved peacefully, within the legal framework laid down for complaints and appeals. The IEC's role must be respected and supported. The European Union urges both candidates to conduct a constructive campaign, focusing on the Congolese people's concerns and their hopes of seeing their country return to peace and stability, in a spirit of reconciliation and national consensus. To this end, the European Union asks them to agree and adhere to a code of conduct. The European Union also stresses the importance of the legislative and provincial elections. The imminent declaration of the outcome of the legislative elections should enable the National Assembly - an institution essential to the sovereignty of the Congolese people - to convene as soon as possible. The provincial elections scheduled for 29 October should provide the basis for democracy at provincial level and for decentralised rule of law. The European Union will remain fully committed to ensuring the smooth conduct of the electoral process in the DRC, as is shown by the commitment of the European EUFOR RD Congo force to support MONUC in restoring calm in Kinshasa, and by EUPOL Kinshasa's support for the Congolese National Police, which has sole responsibility for maintaining order in the capital. The European Union (and its Member States) will also continue to shoulder their responsibilities within the International Committee in Support of the Transition (CIAT), which it commends for the role it has played in the events of recent days. The EU's electoral observation mission will remain in place to observe the continuation of the electoral process” (Ed.: second round of the presidential elections on 29 October for regional elections).