According to Javier Solana, the European Union high representative for foreign affairs ,  the two DRC presidential candidates could meet within the framework of the meeting of the Higher Council of the Defense, planned for this Wednesday September 13.

At a conference with the national and international press at the EUFOR base in Kinshasa, Mr. Solana said he was very optimistic for the possibility of a meeting after ?the very constructive dialogue? which he heard from the two candidates.

According to him, it could take place within the framework of the meeting of the Higher Council for Defense, planned for this Wednesday September 13 at 2pm. Mr. Solana talked with president Kabila for more than one hour. They spoke lengthily about what president Kabila qualified as ?the last remaining kilometres? which would conclude the end of the transition.

Javier Solana also indicated that they spoke about ?how to write a new page in the history of the country after the elections?. He explained why he asked Jean-Pierre Bemba to take part again in the ?espace presidential? because he is not only a presidential candidate but also the vice-president of the country.

The answer of the vice-president gave him ?much hope?, Mr. Solana added. He also had meeting meetings with vice-president Ruberwa, the president of the Independent Electoral Commission, the representatives of the CIAT, the head of MONUC William Swing, as well as a telephone conversation with South-African president Thabo Mbeki.

On the issue of security, Mr. Solano took the occasion to thank EUFOR for its engagement on the side of the forces for peace of the United Nations.

?Without the support of the EUFOR, we would currently be in a much more difficult situation."

He added that he also worried by the number of weapons in circulation to Kinshasa.