European NGOs urge EU response to conflict

Christian organisations from across Europe who are active in the Great Lakes region have urged the European Union to develop a "realistic" European policy for peace in the region. In a statement, the Concertation chretienne pour l'Afrique centrale (CCAC) and the Great Lakes Advocacy Network (GLAN), issued a 12-point plan as a "toolkit" for an EU policy. Noting that despite diplomatic efforts, peace was still a "distant reality" in the Great Lakes, the organisations said only "intensive pressure" from the international community, and specifically the EU, could change the situation.

The statement urged the 15 EU member countries not to remain on the sidelines and proposed that France, which takes over the EU presidency next month, should become the main catalyst for concerted European action. The proposals constituted a starting point for genuine partnership between the EU and Central African countries which could begin the process of holding a regional conference for security and cooperation, the statement said. For such action to work, "states must put aside allegiances to former colonies which might to lead to favouritism in some countries to the detriment of others", it added. [Document available from following email address: [email protected]]