Congolese parties agree on security and military structure

The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the country's two main opposition factions have signed an agreement on military and security arrangements, a major step towards the formation of a two-year national transitional government, according to the United Nations mission in the country.

The UN Organization Mission in the DRC reports that yesterday, three armed components - the Government, Congolese Liberation Movement (MLC) and Congolese Rally for Democracy (RCD) - and three armed entities signed a memorandum on the army and security. The agreement is in line with the comprehensive power-sharing accord signed by the parties last December in Pretoria.

Mission chief, Amos Namanga Ngongi, called the agreement a significant step forward in the peace process. He added that a considerable step forward had been completed towards the actual start of a transitional government.