Date of release : 23-05-2005

Policy area : General Affairs and External Relations

Event : General Affairs and External Relations Council

At the end of the "defence" component of the General Affaires and External Relations Council, held in Brussels on 23 May, Luc Frieden, who chaired the meeting, made the following statement on the EUSEC mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC):

"We spoke about our new mission in the DRC. On 8 June 2005, we will launch our assistance advisory mission to reform the security sector in the DRC. This is an important mission which will help further integrate the army within the context of establishing a rule of law and carrying through the reforms that are taking place in this country. Security is always a key element when one wishes to build a country on democratic bases. Within the context of its European security and defence policy, the European Union can play a very important role in supporting peace and stability in Africa. I am delighted to observe that everyone is supporting the mission we are about to embark on in the DRC."