Annan hails new power-sharing government in DR of Congo

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today hailed the historic swearing-in of the four Vice-Presidents who will head up the Democratic Republic of the Congo's (DRC) new power-sharing transitional government as a "milestone" in the war-weary country's search for lasting peace.

In a statement released in New York by a spokesman for the Secretary-General, Mr. Annan welcomed the installation of the Government of National Unity and Transition in Kinshasa, marked by the swearing-in ceremony of the Vice Presidents today.

"This is a historic milestone in the peace process in the Democratic Republic of the Congo," the statement said, adding that "the vision of peace and reconciliation articulated in the 1999 Lusaka Ceasefire Agreement is taking shape."

The Secretary-General called on the Congolese leaders to fulfil their responsibilities in meeting the daunting challenges of transition; and steering their country onto the path of reconciliation, recovery as well as free and fair elections.

"The United Nations stands ready to play its part in assisting the Congolese consolidate the hard-won gains in the peace process," the statement said.