The HR/VP Catherine Ashton and Development Commissioner Andris Piebalgs, welcome the adoption in Addis today of a "Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region". They commend the UN Secretary General for his strong leadership and the leaders of the region to have chosen dialogue and cooperation as a basis for addressing the many challenges the region is facing.
"We welcome the framework agreement signed today as well as the upcoming appointment of a U envoy. We also support a stronger MOUSCO. These are important steps in order to find sustainable, political solutions for the structural problems both at domestic and at regional level.
By adopting the agreement, leaders of the DRC and the region commit to respect important principles related to good neighbourliness and to take the concrete action at home that is needed.
In this context, we also welcome the contribution provided by the regional mediation between the DRC government and the M23, led by Uganda. The EU calls on the parties to negotiate in good faith and to prevent the resumption of hostilities in eastern DRC.
The EU has been a strong partner of the region for many years. It is committed to support the implementation of the framework agreement with all countries concerned and to foster regional cooperation.
We believe this is an opportunity for a new start for the region and its peoples who have suffered too much. We call on all leaders' strong and genuine commitment to implement. The EU stands ready to do its part".