Kinshasa 19 November 2009 - The United Nations Organization Mission in DR Congo (MONUC) today welcomed reports of the arrest by German Federal Police of two FDLR leaders currently residing in the country namely Ignace Murwanashyaka and Straton Musoni on Tuesday on suspicion of carrying out crimes against humanity and war crimes in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

"This is an important development, which we believe will help the people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the region move to a more peaceful future" said Alan Doss, Special Representative of the Secretary-General. "I would urge other nations where FDLR leaders are sheltering, to follow Germany's example."

The arrests are in line with Security Council resolutions calling for action by UN Member States where FDLR leaders are known to be operating in support of FDLR commanders in eastern Congo.