France pledges reconstruction assistance

French Cooperation Minister Charles Josselin, who visited ROC last week, has pledged his country’s assistance in reconstructing various institutions. Congolese radio said he told a news conference in Brazzaville there was now hope for the country. France is already assisting in rebuilding the judicial system, the gendarmerie and the police. Josselin pledged further help in restructuring the armed forces and cooperation in education and culture, the radio said. He also urged the Congolese people to “mobilise their energy” towards development in the country and called on them to reconcile.