IP/08/1668
Brussels, 7 November 2008 - The European Commissioner responsible for development and humanitarian aid, Louis Michel, has welcomed the positive results achieved at the special consultative meeting of heads of state from the African Great Lakes region, held in Nairobi, on the conflict in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (RDC).
Mr Michel said, "I congratulate the heads of state of the region on the willingness they have shown to bring the conflict to an end through a negotiated settlement in which regional structures are to play a decisive role."
He welcomed the direct involvement of African diplomacy, in particular through the nomination of former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Benjamin Mpaka as facilitators and mediators in the conflict. The region has also declared itself willing to play a direct part in finding a solution to the conflict.
The Commissioner confirmed that he was ready to support the international community in rebuilding the eastern partof the RDC.