US reiterates concern

The US State Department on Wednesday reiterated its concern over continued ceasefire violations in the DRC. Spokesman James Rubin stressed that the successful deployment of a UN peacekeeping mission could only occur if all parties rigorously adhered to the Lusaka accord. Washington was “dismayed at credible reports of the murder of civilians, arbitrary detention, torture and the exile of political and religious leaders throughout Congo,” Rubin added. He cited, in particular, the rebel Rassemblement congolais pour la democratie (RCD)’s refusal to let Bishop Kataliko of Bukavu return to his home and the Kinshasa government’s arrest on 3 January of two journalists for publishing a critical article. The US again urged all parties to respect their commitments under the Lusaka agreement, Rubin added.