Checked Against Delivery
Thank you, Madam President.
I will also like to thank Special Envoy Xia for his briefing.
The situation in the Great Lakes region remains deeply concerning.
Continued fighting in eastern DRC is causing immense human suffering and risks further destabilising the region.
At the same time, we do see important diplomatic efforts underway.
I will make four brief points.
First, on ceasefire monitoring and implementation.
Denmark welcomes progress in operationalising the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism Plus, including its first verification missions.
We commend MONUSCO for its support to these efforts, in line with its mandate.
Effective monitoring and verification are essential to building confidence between the parties and supporting compliance with ceasefire commitments.
A durable ceasefire remains the first step towards reducing tensions and creating space for a political solution.
Second, on the political track.
Denmark welcomes the sustained diplomatic engagement under the
Washington and Doha processes and the role of the African Union-led mediation.
We encourage continued efforts to strengthen coordination between the different mediation tracks and to support implementation of commitments already undertaken by the parties.
There is no military solution to this conflict. All parties - and those supporting armed groups - must take concrete steps to reduce tensions.
Denmark reiterates the Security Council’s call for the Rwanda Defence Force to cease its support to M23 and withdraw from DRC territory.
The DRC must refrain from supporting armed groups and ensure the effective neutralisation of FDLR.
In this regard, we look forward to following the implementation of the protocol signed among the DRC government and the FDLR.
The sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC must be respected, and all parties must uphold their commitments under the relevant peace agreements and Security Council resolutions.
Third, on the humanitarian situation, Denmark is deeply concerned by the Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC.
We urge countries across the region to facilitate cross-border cooperation and humanitarian and public-health access, including the movement of health workers, medical supplies and other essential assistance.
Preventing further spread of the virus is critical to avoid increased humanitarian needs in an already highly vulnerable region.
And fourth and finally, Madam President,
Lasting peace in the Great Lakes Region also requires strengthened regional economic integration and connectivity, as well as responsible and transparent management of natural resources.
The region’s resources should contribute to sustainable development and shared prosperity, rather than fuel conflict.
Denmark supports regional efforts, including through the Regional Certification Mechanism, to strengthen transparency and traceability of mineral supply chains and prevent the illegal exploitation of natural resources from fuelling conflict in the Great Lakes.
In conclusion,
Denmark remains committed to supporting African-led and regionally owned efforts to advance peace, security and cooperation in the Great Lakes region.
Thank you.
