EU Presidency Statement - 55th Session of UNGA [2/3]

(Africa)

Mr. President,

The EU is equally determined in its support for the efforts being made to prevent and settle conflicts in Africa, in close cooperation with the United Nations, the Organization of African Unity and other sub-regional organizations in accordance with the objectives agreed at the Africa-Europe Summit, held in Cairo last April under the Portuguese presidency of the European Union.

It shall lend its backing to the measures taken jointly by the OAU and the United Nations to implement the peace settlement between Ethiopia and Eritrea. In supporting the deployment of international observers, the EU is also willing to lend its support to the establishment and drawing of borders, to demining and to the assistance to refugees and displaced persons. It is endeavoring to provide assistance to the war-stricken populations of both countries whose immense suffering has been compounded by drought.

The European Union is deeply concerned by the developments in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It calls on all parties to the Lusaka Agreement to implement their commitments, including those made in Kampala. This will allow for progress on the military and political provisions, all of which are under threat due to the continued fighting and the deadlock in preparing for a national dialogue. It also urges them to abide by the Security Council resolutions, in particular Resolution 1304, which calls for an orderly withdrawal of foreign forces from Congolese territory as well as for the cooperation of all parties in the deployment of MONUC by lifting the restrictions on the freedom of movement of MONUC personnel and by ensuring their security.

The illegal exploitation of the natural resources of the Democratic Republic of Congo, a violation of the country's sovereignty, is also unacceptable. The European Union therefore commends the establishment by the Secretary-General of the United Nations on August 15 of a group of experts in charge of analyzing the ties between the illegal exploitation of these riches and the continuation of the conflict.

We are pleased to note that awareness has been raised about the illicit trade in diamonds and other minerals which is directly fueling conflicts. This is particularly the case with the illicit trade in diamonds in Angola, whereby UNITA has been funding its war effort. We wish to underscore the importance of complying with the Security Council resolutions on this matter. We welcome the decision to place this important question on the General Assembly's agenda. The discussion should be based on the Kimberley process. It should reflect the work of the preparatory conference co-chaired by the United Kingdom and Russia. It should, lastly, examine the proposal made at Miyazaki to establish a standing group of independent experts to formulate ways of preventing illicit trade.

The European Union would like to recall its support for Resolution 1306 on Sierra Leone, which has tightened existing arms sanctions and established an embargo on raw diamonds illegally exported from Sierra Leone. The European Union calls on all the parties to the conflict to comply with the principles and objectives of the Lomé Agreement, and be fully involved in the re-establishment of peace and stability and compliance with human rights in Sierra Leone.

The EU and its Member States will continue to contribute to African capacity and means of action in the field of conflict prevention and resolution, in particular through support for the OAU and sub-regional organizations and initiatives.

( Myanmar/Burma)

The European Union is deeply concerned at the situation in Myanmar. It asks the Myanmar authorities to immediately restore Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi's freedom of speech, movement and communication with the outside. It is urgent for dialogue to begin between the Myanmar authorities and the democratic opposition, including the National League for Democracy, and national minorities. The Union supports the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Burma, Mr. Razali, in his efforts to find a solution.

( East Timor)

Mr. President,

The European Union expresses its solidarity with the people of East Timor and commends the work done by UNTAET in close cooperation with the political authorities of East Timor. It is in favor of accelerating reconstruction assistance in order to guarantee a successful transition and avoid any delay in the timetable leading to independence. We are extremely concerned by the instability caused by the militias, in both East and West Timor. The new outbreaks of violence by them have taken the lives of two UN peacekeepers and more recently three HCR personnel. The European Union calls on the Indonesian authorities to adopt effective measures to control the militias without delay.

( India/Pakistan)

The European Union calls for the termination of terrorist activity in Kashmir, the implementation of confidence- and security-building measures and strict respect for the line of control in order to restore a peaceful local climate and enable the dialogue between Pakistan and India to resume in the spirit of the Lahore Declaration. The EU shall be looking closely for such signs from the parties involved and encourage those initiatives likely to resolve all the disputes between the two countries.

It is important for the specific measures laid down in Security Council Resolution 1172 to be implemented and for Pakistan and India to subscribe to the international non-proliferation regime and sign the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.

( Korea)

Having advocated direct dialogue between the two Koreas for many years, the EU welcomes the historic Inter-Korean Summit in Pyongyang from June 13 to June 15 this year. This is an important step on the road to reconciliation between the Republic of Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, opening bright prospects for strengthening the stability of the region. We invite the two countries, members of the UN since 1991, to continue this process in order to help the Korean people heal the wounds of the past.

( Haiti)

The European Union recalls that full respect for the constitutional provisions concerning the elections and electoral legislation currently in force is the basis of democracy and the rule of law.

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