Statement [made on behalf of the Security Council, at the 5580th meeting, 6 Dec. 2006, in connection with the Council's consideration of the item entitled "The situation concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo"]

Congratulates President Joseph Kabila on his election and commends once again the Congolese people for their civic responsibility; looks forward to the completion of the electoral process, and reiterates the need for all political parties to act responsibly after the elections within the framework of democratic institutions and the rule of law; expresses its sincere appreciation for the central role played by the Independent Electoral Commission, the Congolese National Police, MONUC, EUFOR and by all the regional and international partners; pays tribute to the donor community for their assistance and encourages the international community as a whole to continue to assist the Democratic Republic of the Congo during the process of peace consolidation, reconstruction and recovery; expresses its serious concern at the recent hostilities launched by non-integrated army units in Sake, in the North Kivu province and at the impact that these actions have had on the civilian population including women, children and the elderly; calls on these units to cease their hostilities, return without delay to their initial positions and submit themselves to the army integration or demobilization process; encourages MONUC, in accordance with its mandate, to continue to address with determination such security challenges, and supports the steps it has taken recently in this regard, particularly in the district of Ituri and the North Kivu province.

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