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CFSP Statements

17.03.2008

Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union on recent events in Bas-Congo

The European Union deplores the events that have taken place in Bas-Congo in the past two weeks. It is concerned in particular by the high number of victims suffered by this province for the second year running.

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.

Against this background, the European Union encourages the immediate opening of talks between the State authorities and the political representatives of Bundu Dia Kongo. Only a genuine dialogue and the active search for a peaceful solution will make it possible to avoid a recurrence of such events.

The European Union appeals to all actors involved in the protection of the civilian population, without exception, to embark upon that without delay. To bolster the peace process in the DRC, it confirms its continuing commitment to sector reform, within the framework of the principles of good governance adopted by the Congolese Government.

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, Montenegro, Serbia, and the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia 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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Date: 21.03.2008