Rebels say no peacekeepers behind their line

Rebel Rassemblement congolais pour la democratie (RCD) foreign minister Bizima Karaha told Radio France Internationale yesterday that the movement would not allow the deployment of a proposed peacekeeping force behind its lines. Karaha said what was required first were negotiations on a truce, and then talks on a political settlement. “Only at that time will one know where this peacekeeping force will be deployed. One thing is clear: There will never be a force deployed behind our lines.” Karaha reiterated the RCD’s insistence that they be involved in ceasefire talks, otherwise: “We will be forced to advance and this will mean the end of [President Laurent-Desire] Kabila.”