DR of Congo: UN mission chief, rebels discuss deployment of peacekeepers

The head of the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) met today with rebel leaders to discuss the deployment of UN troops to a part of the country under their control.

Amos Nagama Ngongi met with leaders from the RCD rebel movement in Goma, near the DRC's border with Rwanda. Their talks focused on the implementation of Security Council resolution 1376, which authorizes the UN Mission to move into the third phase of its deployment.

This plan, in part, foresees the deployment of UN military and civilian staff in Kindu, which is currently under the group's control. Both sides agreed to the creation of joint technical committees to work out the details of the UN's deployment in the area.

Mr. Ngongi also had an exchange of views with the RCD on the demilitarization of Kisangani.