Brussels, 22/10/2007 (Agence Europe) - Javier Solana, the High Representative of the European Union for Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), welcomed the transfer from Kinshasa to The Hague, of Germain Katanga, an important militia leader from the Ituri region (Democratic Republic of Congo), as well as his approaching trial at the International Criminal Court. A press release from the High Representative indicated: “Following the arrest of Thomas Lubanga, the arrest of Germain Katanga constitutes further progress in the investigations being carried out by the International Criminal Court in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It confirms the determination of the international community to fight against impunity, which has prevailed for too long in the African Great Lakes region, at a time when a particularly high level of violence is continuing, notably in the Kivu areas. In this respect, the High Representative welcomes the cooperation of the Congolese authorities and underscores the commitment of the EU to continue working with them in order to consolidate the situation in the DRC, with regard to stability and development of this fundamental European partnership in Africa”. (O.J.)