Security Council welcomes DR of Congo agreement on new government, transition

The United Nations Security Council today welcomed the announcement that President Joseph Kabila has signed a decree setting up a new power-sharing government in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

In a statement to the press, current Security Council President, Ambassador Inocencio F. Arias of Spain, said that while the 15-nation body reiterated its serious concern over the recent spate of violence in the northeastern DRC, it welcomed Monday's announcement that President Kabila had named the Ministers of the country's new Government of National Unity and transition.

"They encouraged in this regard the Congolese parties to take the necessary decisions in order to allow the transitional institutions to begin functioning effectively," Ambassador Arias said.

The Council also expressed its support to the Government and the people of the DRC and their continuing commitment to contribute to the consolidation of unity, peace, stability and prosperity throughout the country.