PSC/MIN/Comm.2(CLXIII) Page 3 16. Reiterates its support to the United Nations Mission in the DRC (MONUC) for its efforts aimed at creating conditions for the respect of the unilateral cease-fire announced by the CNDP on 29 October 2008, and welcomes the adoption by the United Nations Security Council of the resolution 1843 (2008) of 20 November 2008, in which, among others, the Security Council authorized an increase of MONUC’s strength. Council encourages the Security Council to seize the occasion of the renewal of the mandate of MONUC, towards the end of this month, to strengthen the said mandate, with a view to addressing more adequately the increasing demands on the ground, in particular the monitoring of the borders with a view to combating the illicit trafficking of arms and other products ; 17. Welcomes the efforts of the regional countries under the aegis of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region and further welcomes the entry into force of the Pact on Security, Stability and Development in the Great Lakes region, on 21 June 2008. Council requests the Chairperson of the Commission to continue supporting the process of the International Conference, particularly by providing support to the Executive Secretariat to enable it to fully play its role in the implementation of the Pact; 18. Welcomes the initiatives taken by the Chairperson of the Commission, including through the Commissioner for Peace and Security, Ambassador Ramtane Lamamra, and his Emissary, Mr. Ibrahima Fall, former UN Special Representative for the Great Lakes Region, and requests him to intensify his efforts to support the various ongoing processes in the region; 19. Further requests the Chairperson of the Commission to take necessary measures to significantly enhance the AU contribution to the post-conflict reconstruction efforts in the DRC, including by quickly dispatching a multidisciplinary mission to assess the situation on the ground and make recommendations on the areas in which the AU Commission and Member States could provide an increased support to the reconstruction process and peace building efforts in the DRC; 20. Decides to remain seized of the matter.