Statement [made on behalf of the Security Council, at the 4865th meeting, 20 Nov. 2003, in connection with the Council's consideration of the item entitled "The situation in the Great Lakes region"]

Recalls its Presidential Statement of 24 Apr. 1997 (S/PRST/1997/22) and its other relevant statements and resolutions calling for the holding at an appropriate time of an international conference on peace, security, democracy and development in the Great Lakes region of Africa, with the participation of all Governments of the region of the Great Lakes and Central Africa and all others concerned, to be organized under the aegis of the UN and African Union, with a view to achieving a sustainable peace, security and stability for all countries in the region, in particular through the full normalization of their relations and the establishment of confidence building measures and mechanisms; encourages the governments concerned to continue their efforts to bring about a successful conference, based on a regional, all-inclusive and action-oriented approach; appeals to the countries of the region and to the international community to provide sustained political and diplomatic support as well as adequate technical and financial assistance so that the conference is well prepared, timely, and that effective follow-up actions are taken.

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