DR of Congo: Security Council urges parties to participate constructively in talks

Members of the United Nations Security Council today voiced their backing for an upcoming meeting of the parties to the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), urging all concerned to participate constructively in the talks.

Speaking to the press following closed-door consultations of the Council, its current President, Ambassador Adolfo Aguilar Zinser of Mexico, said the members planned to adopt a formal Presidential statement on the DRC in the near future. “However,” he added, “in view of the imminent opening of the meetings which are scheduled to start next Monday in Sun City, South Africa, members of the Council wish to take a stand today on the Inter-Congolese Dialogue.”

Council members, he said, expressed their “full support” to Facilitator Ketumile Masire and his team. “They launch a solemn appeal to all parties to participate in the Sun City meeting in a constructive spirit.”

The President’s statement to the press followed a briefing to the Council by the Secretary-General’s Special Representative to the DRC, Amos Amos Namanga Ngongi. Council members also considered the Secretary-General’s latest report on the DRC, which Ambassador Zinser said had been “favourably received.”