Further update
DRC Talks Reach Advanced Stage
April 16, 1999
Mildred Mulenga, PANA Correspondent
LUSAKA, Zambia (PANA) - The preliminary talks on the peace process in the war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo, currently taking place in Lusaka, have reached an advanced stage, Zambia's presidential affairs minister, Eric Silwamba, said Friday.
The minister said consultations among the participants, who include the DRC allies and rebels, continued Friday.
''The peace process consultations are currently going on and the talks have reached an advanced stage,'' Silwamba told PANA.
The UN special envoy to the DRC, Moustapha Niasse, was reported to be in Kinshasa to consult with Congolese President Laurent Kabila. He is expected back in Lusaka Saturday.
Zambia, elected by SADC to mediate in the talks, is chairing the talks.
It is the first direct talks between the rebels and the Congolese government and its allies. They are led by Kalenga Kyalumba, the director of foreign affairs, and include John Nsana, Ngizo Siatilo, Kunda Milundu and Etienne Rusamira.
Kyalumba said that the rebels were ready to work with other opposition parties in the DRC and also want to be recognised as one of the political parties before holding democratic elections.
''There is a misconception that we are Tutsi dominated. There is no basis in these allegations,'' he said in an interview.
A meeting of regional defence and foreign ministers is expected to be called after the current talks to prepare for a summit of regional leaders involved in the DRC peace process.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright © 1999 Panafrican News Agency. All Rights Reserved. |
