Kinshasa, 21 February 2009 - Alan Doss, Special Representative of the UN Secretary General in the DRC, greets the release yesterday of the two Congolese personalities that were kidnapped since 22 January 2009 in Kamombo, on the High plateaus of South Kivu, by troops of the Federalist Republican Forces (FRF). The two were on mission with other personalities within the framework of the Amani Programme when they were abducted.

Mr. Georges Shanyungu, Provincial Minister for the Interior of South Kivu, and Mr. Célestin Bamwisho, permanent Secretary of the board of management of the Amani program for South Kivu arrived healthy and safe at Uvira, where they were transported to Bukavu.

Mr. Doss praises all those who patiently took part in or supported the negotiations which led to their release, in particular South Kivu Governor Mr. Louis Muderwa, the Rev. Apollinaire Malu Malu and Dr. Bizima Karaha of the Amani Programme, without forgetting the members of the international facilitation team.

The Special Representative also pays homage to the civil and military personnel of MONUC for the great coolness and professionalism which they displayed during this difficult period.

Mr. Doss once again wishes to point out that the international community unanimously condemns the taking of hostages which cannot, under any circumstances, be regarded as a means of expression of political positions.