Coordinator of the European Union (EU) for the Great Lakes region Koen Vervake has urged Congolese President Denis Sassou Nguesso to continue his mediation to help end the crises in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Central African Republic (CAR).
'The EU wants to contribute to peace efforts being made by the UN Secretary General to put an end to the crisis in DR Congo.
'In Central African Republic, it is clear that the President of Congo has contributed significantly to the Libreville agreements and now in the implementation of such agreements as Chairman of the Monitoring Committee. Therefore, it is essential to work together and consult him,' Mr. Vervake said after a meeting with President Sassou Nguesso.
Mr Vervake said it is very important that the UN could conduct tougher operations against armed groups.
'A very clear and sustained action should also be conducted in Kinshasa, in the region in particular as well as in Kigali (Rwanda) for a longer-term stability in the DRC, ' he said
'We agree that we need to work hard over the coming months both in Bangui and Kinshasa to put this process on track for a sustainable purpose,' he said, adding that the meeting with the Congolese President gave him hope that the DRC and CAR will soon secure peace and stability.
The Congolese President holds the rotating presidency of the International Conference for the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR).
He also mediated the Libreville talks on the CAR crisis and chairs the Committee in charge of monitoring the implementation of the agreements signed on 11 Jan. among the warring parties.
Pana 15/02/2013