SECURITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REAFFIRMS SUPPORT FOR EXPERT GROUP’S WORK

IN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

The Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1533 (2004) of 12 March 2004, was recently made aware of the existence of allegations pertaining to the work of the Group of Experts on the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 

The Committee noted with concern that these allegations appear to have been circulated in breach of contractual undertakings on confidentiality and with complete disregard for the security and safety of those involved with the work of the Group of Experts, undermining future investigations by the Group.

The Committee thoroughly examined these allegations, which called into question the methodology of investigation and some of the findings of the Group of Experts.  The Committee also carefully considered the response of the Group of Experts. 

The Committee is fully satisfied with the Group’s explanations regarding these allegations and reaffirms its full support for the work of the Group, whose mandate expired on 31 January 2005.  The Committee encourages the Group of Experts, which will be re-established shortly, pursuant to Security Council resolution 1596 of 18 April 2005, to continue to observe the highest procedural and evidentiary standards in conducting its work.

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