FOREIGN AFFAIRS Council meeting Brussels, 22 July 2013
The Council adopted the following conclusions:
Recalling its long standing engagement in the region, the European Union (EU) confirms its determination to continue to contribute to lasting stability and development in the Great Lakes Region (GLR). The latest crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has demonstrated the need for a reinvigorated comprehensive approach, addressing the local, national and regional roots of conflict, especially those of the Kivus. Renewed fighting in recent days around Goma and tensions between the DRC and Rwanda underscore the need for urgent action. The EU calls for an end to violence and the protection of civilians.
In this context, the EU strongly welcomes and supports the "Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the DRC and the Region” signed in Addis on 24 February 2013 (the Framework Agreement), the appointment of the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for the Great Lakes, Mary Robinson, and the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2098 (2013). These measures and regional efforts constitute a window of opportunity that must be seized. The setting-up of both a national and a regional oversight mechanism should allow coordinated support and monitoring of the implementation of the commitments undertaken by the Signatory Parties.
Strong ownership by governments, civil society organisations and other stakeholders in the region is essential to the successful implementation of the Framework Agreement. In this context, the Technical Support Committee is key to reviewing the progress made in the implementation of these regional commitments.
The EU and its Member States will contribute actively to the success of these efforts through a coordinated response to the political, security and development process. In coordination with the UN and other partners, action to support the implementation of the Framework Agreement will focus on the following crucial five areas: