Statement [made on behalf of the Security Council, at the 5218th meeting, 29 June 2005, in connection with the Council's consideration of the item entitled "The situation concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo"]

Takes note of the joint decision reached by the 2 Houses of Parliament of the Democratic Republic of the Congo on 17 June 2005 to extend for 6 months, renewable once, the Transitional period that was to expire on 30 June 2005; calls on all Congolese parties to respect this decision and urges in particular the candidates and political parties to refrain from any action that might disrupt this process; urges all parties and Transitional institutions to make every effort to respect scrupulously the timetable for polls developed by the Independent Electoral Commission, and in particular to begin preparations for the referendum on the draft Constitution as soon as possible; calls on the Transitional authorities to accelerate those reforms remaining to be carried out, in particular drafting of the electoral law and integration of the security forces; calls upon the Congolese authorities to exercise efficient, transparent and comprehensive control over State finances and encourages them to continue consultations with their international partners, in full respect for the sovereignty of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and to put in place credible arrangements to strengthen support for good governance and transparent economic management.

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