UN welcomes 'historic' arrival of opposition leaders in DR of Congo capital

Two of the Democratic Republic of Congo's (DRC) main rebel leaders have arrived in the capital of Kinshasa ahead of tomorrow's swearing-in ceremony that will ultimately name four Vice-Presidents to a new power-sharing government, the United Nations reported today.

The UN Organization Mission in the DRC (MONUC) said that the arrival of the two Vice-Presidents, designated by the Congolese Movement for the Liberation of Congo (MLC) and the Congolese Rally for Democracy (RCD), marks a historic step in the DRC peace process.

MONUC chief William Swing welcomed the development as positive and reiterated to all parties that the Mission will support every effort and initiative in favour of a successful transition leading to free, transparent and democratic elections. Mr. Swing also assured them of the support of the entire international community.