UN peacekeeping official reminds Congolese of responsibilities for transition

At the halfway point towards the holding of elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the United Nations top peacekeeping official has reminded the Congolese people of their responsibilities in ensuring a successful transition to peace.

Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Marie Guéhenno continued his official visit over the weekend to the DRC, speaking at an event in the capital, Kinshasa.

"The international community only plays a supportive role to the central one, which is to be played by the Congolese themselves," he said. His visit comes one year after the Transitional Government was installed and a year before the elections scheduled for June 2005.

Mr. Guéhenno added that recent decisions made by Congolese authorities, including the signing of the Ituri commitment act and the nominations of Governors, were major steps in the right direction.

Yesterday Mr. Guéhenno flew to Ituri, in the northeast of the DR of Congo, after travelling Saturday to Uganda, where met President Yoweri Museveni.