Introductory text

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1183/2005 of 18 July 2005 imposing certain specific restrictive measures directed against persons acting in violation of the arms embargo with regard to the Democratic Republic of the Congo^f1, and in particular Article 9(2) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,

Whereas:

On 18 July 2005, the Council adopted Regulation (EC) No 1183/2005.

On 12 December 2016, the Council adopted Regulation (EU) 2016/2230^f2 in response to the obstruction of the electoral process and the related human rights violations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). On 6 March 2017, the Council adopted conclusions expressing its deep concern at the political situation in DRC caused by the blockage in the implementation of the inclusive political agreement of 31 December 2016, as well as by the security situation in several parts of the country, where the disproportionate use of force has been observed.

In view of the gravity of the situation in DRC, nine persons should be added to the list of persons and entities subject to restrictive measures in Annex Ia to Regulation (EC) No 1183/2005.

Annex Ia to Regulation (EC) No 1183/2005 should therefore be amended accordingly,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: