Russian Foreign Ministry Calls All Parties to DR Congo Conflict to Exercise Restraint

The Russian Foreign Ministry has urged all the parties to the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo to "exercise maximum restraint" and to search for ways toward a peaceful settlement in that republic and the entire Great Lakes area.

RIA Novosti was told at the Foreign Ministry's information and press department that the Russian government, which closely follows Congolese developments, is concerned over the recent exacerbation of the situation in the north-western part of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Russian Foreign Ministry deems it necessary to ensure unconditional compliance with the UN Security Council Resolution of March 20, 2003, which is aimed at stabilizing the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Being a permanent member of the UN Security Council, Russia took an active part in the elaboration of that resolution, ministry spokespeople pointed out.