COUNCIL COMMON POSITION

of 15 November 1999

concerning EU support for the implementation of the Lusaka ceasefire agreement and the peace process in the Democratic Republic of Congo

(1999/728/CFSP)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union and in particular Article 15 thereof,

Whereas:

(1) the European Council in Amsterdam on 16 and 17 June 1997 adopted conclusions regarding the process towards democracy in the Democratic Republic of Congo;

(2) on 9 November 1998, the Council adopted conclusions on the situation in the Great Lakes Region;

(3) the Council has adopted Common Position 97/356/CFSP concerning conflict prevention and resolution in Africa(1) and Common Position 98/350/CFSP on human rights, democratic principles, the rule of law and good governance in Africa(2);

(4) the signing of the Lusaka ceasefire agreement was completed on 31 August 1999 by all parties involved, i.e. the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, Namibia, Rwanda, Uganda, Zimbabwe, the "Mouvement pour la Libération du Congo" and the "Rassemblement Congolais pour la Démocratie";

(5) in accordance with the declarations of the Presidency on behalf of the European Union of 9 and 16 July, 3 and 22 September and 11 October 1999, the Union pledged its support to the implementation of the Lusaka agreement provided that the parties respect and implement the agreement in accordance with the terms set out therein;

(6) the United Nations Security Council has adopted Resolutions 1234(1999) and 1258(1999),

HAS ADOPTED THIS COMMON POSITION:

Article 1

The objective of the Common Position is to support through action by the European Union and its Member States the implementation of the Lusaka ceasefire agreement and the process towards peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The European Union affirms that lasting peace in the DRC can be achieved only through a negotiated peace settlement which is fair to all parties, through respect for the territorial integrity and national sovereignty of the DRC and for democratic principles and human rights in all States of the region, and by taking account of the security interest of the DRC and its neighbouring countries.

Once peace is restored the European Union is ready to consider long-term cooperation in support of national reconstruction.

Article 2

The European Union will support action taken by the United Nations and the Organisation for African Unity in support of the implementation of the Lusaka ceasefire agreement and the peace process, and cooperate closely with them and other relevant actors of the international community in the implementation of this Common Position.

Article 3

The European Union will support the Joint Military Commission to allow it to fulfil its tasks as specified in its Rules of Procedure.

Article 4

The European Union will further support a process of reconciliation and democratisation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, including support for the national dialogue, in accordance with the objectives and arrangements specified in the Lusaka ceasefire agreement.

Article 5

The Council notes that the Commission intends to direct its action towards achieving the objectives of this Common position, where appropriate, by pertinent Community measures, notably by restoring democratic institutions, in order to ensure respect for human rights, democracy, good governance and the rule of law. Consideration will also be given to supporting the reintegration of refugees and displaced people and the demobilisation and reintegation of ex-combatants.

Article 6

In its cooperation with the countries involved in the crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the European Union will promote support for activities which contribute to political stability and the alleviation of economic and social problems which contribute to instability in the Great Lakes region.

Article 7

The European Union will consider support to the concept and possible preparations of a regional conference on security and cooperation in the Great Lakes region in order to enhance political stability, conflict management and resolution capacities, and economic integration in the region.

Article 8

The European Union and its Member States reserve the right to modify or cancel any activities in support of the implementation of the Lusaka ceasefire agreement, if the parties do not abide by the terms of the agreement.

Article 9

The implementation of this Common Position will be monitored regularly.

The Common Position will be reviewed before 8 November 2000.

Article 10

This Common Position shall take effect on the day of its adoption.

Article 11

This Common Position shall be published in the Official Journal.

Done at Brussels, 15 November 1999.

For the Council

The President

T. HALONEN

(1) OJ L 153, 11.6.1997, p. 1. Common Position implemented by Council Decision 97/690/CFSP (OJ L 293, 27.10.1997, p. 3).

(2) OJ L 158, 2.6.1998, p. 1.