DRC: EU supports Peace Process
The main aim of the EU troika’s visit to Central Africa, lead by Belgian foreign minister, Louis Michel is to examine the peace progress achieved in the different States and to examine the possibility of establishing a Great Lakes conference under the auspices of the EU and UN.
Source: Regular News Update From Eurostep
No. 252 23 November 2001
EUROPEAN TROIKA VISITS CENTRAL AFRICA ON 20-25 NOVEMBER - THE COUNCIL SUPPORT THE PEACE PROCESS
The main aim of the EU troika’s visit to Central Africa, lead by Belgian foreign minister, Louis Michel is to examine the peace progress achieved in the different States and to examine the possibility of establishing a Great Lakes conference under the auspices of the EU and UN. Ahead of the EU troika’s departure for Central Africa the General Affairs Council adopted some conclusions on the region.
In relation to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) the Council support the Congolese dialogue and insist on the retreat of foreign armed forces still present in the country. The Council stresses that the demilitarisation and the improvement of free movement of people and goods within DRC are essential to the peace process. Furthermore it recalls the importance of disarmament, demobilisation and the integration of fighters and finally it encourage the co-operation between MONUC (Mission des Naciones Unies en Republic Democratique du Congo), the World Bank and the UN agencies. During the visit Louis Michel invited representatives of the non-armed Congolese opposition and civil society to participate in a round table possibly to be held in Brussels in January 2002 hoping to have prepared for the new stage of in inter-Congolese Dialogue, planned for late January in South Africa. According to the EU delegation the majority of Congolese official have in principle agreed to the meeting.
The Council views the establishment of a transitional government in Burundi as a positive development. In support of the peace processes in the region the Council adopted a joint action mobilising 9.5 million in support of the deployment of a special protection unit. The Council also calls for the willingness of the International Community to support the co-financing of this unit. The Commissions intention to support the peace process by signing the National Indicative Programme (NIP) is being supported by the Council, stating that it will ensure the active involvement of the EU in the next follow-up meeting of the Paris Conference on Burundi.
The European Troika will report to the next General Affairs Council on 10 December.