18/03/2008 (Agence Europe) - The EU deplores the violent events in Bas-Congo (Democratic Republic of Congo) and the high number of victims. The EU27 affirmed in a presidency declaration published on 17 March that “the acts committed by supporters of the Bundu Dia Kongo movement are unacceptable and it is legitimate for the state to ensure that its authority is respected throughout the territory. Order must be maintained by the state in compliance with the principles of the rule of law and human rights and without disproportionate use of force, in order to avoid radicalising the situation”. The European Union is encouraging the immediate opening of talks between the state authorities and the political representatives of Bundu Dia Kongo and states that “only a genuine dialogue and the active search for a peaceful solution will make it possible to avoid a recurrence of such events”. (H.B.)