Russia Welcomes Settlement of Congo Crisis

Russia welcomes the agreements on settlement of the crisis in Congo (Kinshasa) reached in Sun City /South African Republic/, the Russian Foreign Ministry has announced.

"The agreements will help restore peace and stability in the big African country and in the Great Lakes region in general," the Foreign Ministry pointed out.

On April 2nd, representatives of the Congolese government and opposition armed groups signed a final act at the ceremony of closing the inter-Congolese negotiations in Sun City. The act confirms the end of the civil war and the start of restoration of peace in Congo.

The signed documents determine the structure of governmental bodies for a two-year transitional period. They also cover issues of forming a single army and securing safety. The dialogue participants also approved the text of the country's transitional constitution. The sides commit themselves to stopping military operations on the territory of Congo and beginning preparations for general elections.