EU calls for rebel signature

The European Union (EU) on Saturday urged the rebels to immediately cease all hostilities and sign the Lusaka ceasefire agreement. In a statement received by IRIN on Monday, the EU also appealed to the Rwandan and Ugandan governments to "use their influence" on the RCD and the Mouvement de liberation congolais (MLC) to convince them to sign and respect the ceasefire. The statement said the EU would follow closely the belligerent countries' respect of the accord, which would affect "all aspects" of its future relations with the countries concerned. The EU pledged to support implementation of the agreement, if respected by the belligerents. It would also facilitate the return of refugees and displaced people, the reintegration of combatants, national reconciliation and the rehabilitation of the DRC, the statement added.