UN Security Council
2003

are perpetuating the conflict, impeding the economic development of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and exacerbating the suffering of its people; 4. Reiterates that the natural resources of the Democratic Republic of the Congo should be exploited transparently, legally and on a fair commercial basis, to benefit the country and its people; 5. Stresses that the completion of the withdrawal of all foreign troops from the territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo as well as the early establishment of an all-inclusive transitional government in the country, which will ensure that central government control is reinstated and that viable administrations are empowered to protect and regulate the exploitation activities, are important steps towards ending the plundering of the natural resources of the Democratic Republic of the Congo; 6. Stresses also that the possible convening of an international conference on peace, security, democracy and development in the Great Lakes region at the appropriate time could help the States of the region in promoting a sound regional economic integration, to the benefit of all the States in the region;