Internal dialogue to be held in Rome

DRC Information Minister Didier Mumengi said the various factions in the conflict would meet in Rome under the mediation of the Catholic Sant'Egidio Community, which has been involved in brokering African conflicts in the past. According to Reuters, he said the talks would begin on 30 April within the framework of a national debate, proposed by Kabila last month. The rebel side was due to send the names of its representatives direct to Sant'Egidio, he added. Professor Reyntjens told IRIN the fact that some 150 delegates had agreed to take part in the internal dialogue was "positive". He believed the ceasefire agreement should be linked to the Rome meeting. "It could strengthen Kabila's position," he said. "If they [DRC sides] settle their differences in Rome, there will be no justification for outside interference."