Security Council condemns violence against UN staff in DR of Congo

Strongly condemning a rebel group's intimidation and harassment of the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC), Security Council members today declared as "unacceptable" acts of violence against two UN staff members earlier this week.

Council members expect the Rally for Congolese Democracy in Goma (RCD-Goma) to investigate and take action against those responsible, and to make clear how it intends to prevent such incidents happening again, the current President of the 15-member body, Ambassador Mikhail Wehbe of Syria, said in a press statement.

In the statement, Council members reiterated their concern over the acts of violence in Kisangani last month and continuing abuses of human rights in areas under the authority of the RCD-Goma, and stressed again that the group must carry out its obligation to demilitarize the city.

"Members of the Council stress to RCD-Goma that it must carry out all its obligations if the Council is to continue to treat it as a full partner in the peace process," the statement said, adding that Rwanda also had a duty to ensure that the rebel group carry out its obligations under Security Council resolutions.