UN Security Council extends arms embargo

The UN Security Council unanimously adopted on Tuesday a resolution renewing the existing arms embargo against irregular armed forces in the Democratic Republic of Congo, UN News reported. The embargo, originally decreed by resolution 1493, was adopted in July 2003 by the Security Council. It states that all countries should take measures to prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer of arms and any related materiel to the DRC. The Council's decision follows the release of a report on 21 July by the Panel of Experts on the Illegal Exploitation of Natural Resources and Other Forms of Wealth of the Congo. The report documents violations of the embargo by several groups and neighboring countries.