EU Presidency Statement on the occasion of the inauguration of the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo H.E. Mr. Joseph Kabila on 6 December 2006

Press release 513/2006
6  December, 2006

The Presidency of the European Union congratulates the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo H.E. Mr. Joseph Kabila on the occasion of his inauguration on 6 December 2006 for having been elected in the first democratic and transparent elections in the DRC in more than 40 years.

The Presidency of the EU congratulates the Congolese people, all parties and candidates as well as the Independent Electoral Commission for having made possible this landmark achievement, which manifests the strong will of the Congolese people to put an end to years of conflict and suffering. Their aspiration for peaceful renewal, justice, good governance and development forms a strong basis for the new legitimate institutions founded in this process.

The Presidency of the EU therefore calls on all political parties and authorities in the DRC to work together in a spirit of national reconciliation and respect for the rule of law, combining their efforts in carrying out the tasks the Congolese people have entrusted to them.

The Presidency reiterates the substantial contribution of the EU to the transition in the DRC and the need to complete this process. The EU remains fully committed to cooperating constructively with the DRC in the future supporting democracy, stability and development.