Text:
http://www.africanews.org/central/congo-kinshasa/stories/19981218_feat1.html
Source App: [Step Towards Settlement of DRC Conflict - Netscape]
Step Towards Settlement of DRC Conflict
December 18, 1998
By Issa Soma
Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso (PANA) - The OAU's committee for conflict resolution
ended its fourth session Friday with a pre-cease-fire agreement for
consideration by parties in the four-month conflict in the Democratic Republic
of Congo (DRC).
Although disagreements persisted on some clauses of the draft agreement proposals, a slight softening of positions was noticed at the Ouagadougou summit.
The parties seemed to have reached some consensus on the basic principles which could form the framework for a peaceful and sustainable solution to the crisis.
The withdrawal of foreign troops from DRC is no longer a prerequisite for the signing of a cease-fire agreement. However, President Laurent Kabila demanded a clear timetable for the settlement of the conflict and the unambiguous respect of the country's sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.
With respect to the security concerns of Rwanda and Uganda, Kabila pledged to do everything possible to implement the agreements his predecessor had signed with the two countries.
The acceptance by Kabila to broaden internal political dialogue is also viewed as the possible beginning of a solution to the crisis.
In this connection, indirect discussions were organised between Kabila and part of the rebel delegation that was present in Ouagadougou.
The talks were to be continued Friday in order to harmonise views on the cease -fire pre-agreement.
Although the Ouagadougou meeting did not lead to the signing of a cease-fire, the involvement of rebel leaders in the drawing of modalities in the implementation of a cease-fire was viewed as progress.
Observers were optimistic the forthcoming meeting slated for 27-28 December in Lusaka, Zambia, could be the last stage in a long process of searching for a lasting solution to the Congolese conflict.
Copyright © 1998 Panafrican News Agency. Distributed via Africa News Online (www.africanews.org). For information about the content or for permission to redistribute, publish or use for broadcast, contact Panafrican News Agency at the link above.