(1)

The mandate of the Special Representative of the European Union (EUSR) for the African Great Lakes Region, as set out in Council Joint Action 2003/869/CFSP of 8 December 2003 amending and extending the mandate of the Special Representative of the European Union for the African Great Lakes Region (1), is due to expire on 28 February 2006.

(2)

On the basis of a review of Joint Action 2003/869/CFSP, the mandate of the EUSR should be extended for a 12-month period.

(3)

The EUSR will implement his mandate in the context of a situation which may deteriorate and could harm the objectives of the Common Foreign and Security Policy as set out in Article 11 of the Treaty,

(a)

active and efficient contribution of the European Union to a final settlement of the transition in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and to political and economic developments in Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda;

(b)

particular attention to the regional dimension of the developments in those countries;

(c)

ensurance of the continued presence of the European Union on the ground and in relevant international fora, staying in touch with key players and contribution to crisis management;

(d)

contribution to a consistent, sustainable and responsible policy of the European Union in the African Great Lakes Region.

(a)

establish and maintain close contact with all the Parties to the peace and transition process in the African Great Lakes Region, other countries of the region, the United States of America, other relevant countries, as well as the United Nations (UN) and other relevant international organisations, the African Union (AU) and sub-regional organisations and their representatives as well as other prominent regional leaders in order to work with them in strengthening the peace processes and peace agreements in the Region;

(b)

observe the peace and transition processes between the parties and offer the European Union’s advice and good offices as appropriate;

(c)

contribute, where requested, to the implementation of peace and cease fire agreements reached between the parties and engage with them diplomatically in the event of non-compliance with the terms of these agreements;

(d)

engage constructively with signatories to agreements within the framework of the peace processes in order to promote compliance with the basic norms of democracy and good governance, including respect for human rights and the rule of law;

(e)

contribute to the implementation of the EU Guidelines on Children and Armed Conflict;

(f)

contribute to and cooperate with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the UN for the Great Lakes Region and the Special Envoy of the Chairperson of the AU on the preparation of a conference on peace, security, democracy and development in the Great Lakes Region;

(g)

report on the possibilities for European Union support to the peace and transition process and on the best way of pursuing European Union initiatives;

(h)

monitor actions by the parties to the conflicts, which might prejudice the outcome of the ongoing peace processes;

(i)

contribute to a better understanding of the European Union’s role among opinion leaders in the region;

(j)

provide advice and assistance, as required, for security sector reform in the DRC, in particular give political guidance to the Heads of the EU Police Mission (EUPOL Kinshasa) and of the EU Mission advising and assisting the Congolese authorities in the security sector reform (EUSEC RD Congo), in order to fulfil their duties at local level.