Summary: 15 October 2007, Brussels - The European Union voices its grave concern at the continuing violence and instability in certain regions in the east of the DRC, particularly in Northern Kivu. It is most concerned at the concentration of military forces, the breaking of the ceasefire by the rebel General Laurent Nkunda and the continuing activities of the Democratic Liberation Forces of Rwanda (FDLR) and other illegal armed groups.
The European Union calls on all the parties involved to cease hostilities immediately in order to prevent any military escalation and avert any further deterioration in the humanitarian situation on the ground. Noting the call for a ceasefire by Laurent Nkunda on 10 October, his proposal to integrate 500 of his men into the army should be implemented immediately. This should be followed by full integration of his forces in the near future. The EU calls for a constructive dialogue to be
established on this basis.
The European Union reiterates its support for the Congolese authorities, which are the sole legitimate authorities with sovereignty over the whole territory of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It urges them to grasp this opportunity to seek a peaceful solution to the current crisis. At the same time, the EU would point to the importance of putting an end to the presence of all other irregular forces in Eastern Congo (FDLR and Maï-Maï) and working towards the return of all refugees.
The European Union emphasises that an exclusively military approach to the problems in the eastern region of the country will only worsen the situation, particularly in humanitarian terms, and that such an approach is likely to have negative consequences for regional stability. It emphasises the importance of a global and consistent approach to the various problems in the east of the country, which affect not only peace and stability, but also the humanitarian situation, respect for human
rights, issues linked to security sector reform, economic development and regional integration. It welcomes President Kabila's proposal to organise a conference for peace and development in the Kivus, which should be held as soon as possible.
The European Union continues to be particularly concerned over the recruitment of child soldiers by armed groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is greatly worried by reports of serious human rights violations, including the discovery of mass graves and acts of systematic sexual violence, and calls for investigations to be carried out to identify those responsible and put an end to impunity. In this context, the European Union supports the process of formulating a National Action Plan
on UN Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security, which was launched by the Congolese authorities on 19 September 2007.
The European Union welcomes the many high-level diplomatic contacts which have taken place over recent weeks, particularly in the margins of the General Assembly in New York, and urges the Congolese authorities and the countries in the region to continue along the path of dialogue and consultation.
The European Union reiterates its support for MONUC activities in the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly in the east of the country, and will continue its efforts to promote peace and reconciliation.
The Candidate Countries Turkey, Croatia* and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Armenia and Azerbaijan align themselves with this declaration.
* Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.
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