PRESS STATEMENT BY SECURITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT ON DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

PRESS STATEMENT BY SECURITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT ON DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

Following is the press statement on the Democratic Republic of the Congo by Security Council President Wang Guangya (China):

Members of the Security Council heard this morning a briefing by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  They were encouraged by the recent positive developments in the peace and national reconciliation process.  They reiterated their full support to the Government of National Unity and Transition and to the efforts of the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC).

Members of the Council shared the concern expressed by the International Committee in Support of the Transition with regard to the work needed to be done leading up to national elections scheduled to take place in 2005.  They stressed the need for the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of Congolese combatants to be implemented and the need for a national coordinator to ensure a unified approach by the Government of National Unity and Transition and the urgency for significant laws to be passed.  They also stressed the need for the extension of State authority, security sector reform, strengthening the rule of law and economic reconstruction, an end to illegal exploitation of natural resources and to impunity.

Members of the Council called upon the international community to assist the Government of National Unity and Transition in its endeavour.  They took note in this regard of the progress evinced and the necessary actions agreed in the meeting on 9 February 2004 on security sector reform, which can serve as a solid basis for integrating and restructuring of the military and police.

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