Security Council urges participation in national debate

The UN Security Council on Tuesday urged all parties to sign a ceasefire agreement "without delay" and called on the international community to provide financial support for the Lusaka peace process led by Zambian President Frederick Chiluba. In a press statement, the president of the Council said its members welcomed the agreement signed last month in Sirte, Libya, "which is an integral part of the Lusaka process". The president made the statement after the Council heard a briefing by the UN Special Envoy for the DRC peace process, Moustapha Niasse, on the eve of his second cycle of consultations in Africa. The council reiterated its full support for the envoy's efforts. It also called on "all the parties" to participate in the proposed national debate to be held in Nairobi in June.