The aim of his visit to North Kivu was to evaluate the progress and impact of United Nations led activities in eastern DRC activities concerning protection of civilians; the actions led by the UNDP in eastern DRC; and actions led by eight partners of the family of the United Nations, including MONUC and seven other agencies, funds and programs, within the framework of the government stabilization programme for eastern DRC.

On Tuesday last, the delegation visited Walikale (275km northwest of Goma) and Hombo (100km south of Walilake), to evaluate the situation on the ground, in these two sensitive and remote zones where MONUC has operational bases.

In these areas, Blue Helmets work in close collaboration with Joint Protection Teams (JPTs) in order to enhance protection mechanisms for civilians in a complex and volatile local environment, due to the activities of the FDLR rebels that are preying on civilians because of increasing military pressure from the Kimia II military campaign.

In Walikale and Hombo the delegation was able to speak on the current challenges with Blue Helmets and JPT teams, but also with representatives of the local communities and humanitarian actors working in the region.

The question of access to isolated civilians, which is extremely difficult because of poor or non existing roads in the region, was evoked extensively during the meeting.

In this regard, Mr. Mountain declared that the United Nations is redoubling efforts to find solutions to these problems, in order to widen humanitarian access to many displaced people that are isolated within the region.

The deployment of a MONUC Operational Base in Otobora in the coming days should help to facilitate humanitarian access to numerous populations requiring humanitarian aid. Mr. Mountain said meanwhile that the Miti-Hombo road was among six important roads (600 km of road) within the framework of the stabilization programme for eastern DRC (STAREC), which should significantly relieve the isolation of the region.

In Goma, the delegation was briefed on the security, political and humanitarian situation in the province; the activities of Joint protection Teams (JPTs) and the stabilization programme for eastern DRC (STAREC).

On Wednesday morning, Mr. Mountain and the delegation had a long discussion with the provincial authorities on the advancement of the implementation of STAREC and United Nations support to this programme.

During the meeting, the participants could sum up the progress accomplished in the various domains of action targeted by the program of stabilization benefitting from the United Nations support in North Kivu, including: efforts aimed at restoring state authority on the Sake-Masisi and Rutshuru-Ishasa roads (notably by the training and deployment of the integrated police; the construction of infrastructure for territorial administration, the courts and detention centres); supporting the reinsertion of demobilized combatants; the creation of an environment favorable to the return of displaced people; and the resumption of incomes generating activities, indispensable to returnees and their communities.

During a Radio Okapi interview, Ross Mountain launched an urgent appeal to FDLR rebels to seize the opportunity to follow the example of thousands of their brothers and families, which have disarmed and joined MONUC’s programme of Disarmament, Demobilization, Repatriation, Resettlement and Reintegration (DDRRR).

“This important support program is always in place for those that make the choice of returning in peace,” he said. "This war must stop. The wandering in the forests will lead you nowhere, the Congolese have the right to peace and development, seize the opportunity that is being offered to you and join the DDRRR programme.”