Good morning and welcome to our weekly meeting. You are already aware that the United Nations Security Council recently issued a resolution on the reinforcement of MONUC military strength for a better securitization of the upcoming elections. The resolution 1669 unanimously voted on 10 April 2006 authorises temporary redeployment to the DRC of a Pakistani infantry battalion, a Jordanian military hospital and approximately 50 military observers. MONUC applauds the decision which, once again, confirms its commitment and determination to assist the Congolese people and to back the DRC peace process in DRC until it comes to fruition. The reinforcement troops will be stationed in the north and centre of Katanga.

Again with reference to Katanga, the representative of the World Food Programme was here last week to update us on the efforts made by the United Nations to cope with the humanitarian situation there. MONUC, for its part, dispatched a team to Mitwaba to deal with the military issues pending the deployment of troops in the north and centre of Katanga no later than 28 April.

Last Monday, the United Nations Secretary General was awarded 30,000 euros in Séville, Spain for his effort to bring together Christians, Jews and Moslems. He decided to use the amount to fund an assistance programme for the women victims of sexual violence in Kisangani, which his spouse visited during their last visit to DRC; the fund will be managed by UNFPA.

The Independent Electoral Commission CEI in French acronym announced last week the closing of the registration of candidates for the forthcoming presidential and legislative elections. MONUC continues to closely monitor the process and is therefore awaiting the publication of the list of candidates for the legislative elections.

MONUC also closely monitors the Bukavu events that have occurred at a time when the country is preparing to enter in a new phase, the electoral campaign. The Mission is working in close cooperation with the South Kivu local government officials and the FARDC for a rapid restoration of peace to the town of Bukavu

Within the framework of the implementation of a National Plan for the Training of the Congolese National Police, MONUC Police proceeds with refresher course programme in favour of the Intervention Units of the Congolese National Police (Mobile Intervention Group), across the country. Three (3) mobile teams of MONUC Police trainers undertook to provide 15-day refresher course to the GMI in Bandundu (on 7 April); Kisangani, on 8 and Kolwezi, today. The 480 police officers to benefit the refresher course will be added to the 2788 police officers re-trained in 2005 by MONUC Police, and the 956 during the 1st quarter of 2006 across the DRC provinces, without any exception. The training cycle will proceeds through the elections, along with the similar training activities to be provided by some countries such as Angola, France and South African Republic.

Monuc has, to date, trained over 30 000 Congolese police officers in all the areas of their professional activities, notably those relating closely to the securitization of the elections.

For those who are not aware, the verdict on the trial of the presumed perpetrators of the massive rapes and crimes against humanity, committed in Songo Mboyo (600 Km, north east of Mbandaka), on 22 December 2003 was scheduled for Wednesday 12 April 2006. Dozen military officers of the ex-9th FARDC battalion are answering for the crimes. It is the first time in DRC that military officers of the Congolese army are being tried for crime against humanity after committing rapes. MONUC highly interested in the outcome of the process will give its opinion once the verdict is rendered and known.

I would not like to be silent on the detention in Germany last week of the FDLR leader, Mr. Ignace Murwanashyaka. MONUC applauds this initiative which represents a meaningful breakthrough in the struggle against impunity. It hopes that Mr. Ignace Murwanashyaka will be rapidly taken to Justice. A copy of MONUC press communiqué in this regard will be available at the end of the press conference.

In a similar vein, MONUC notes with satisfaction that Ugandan authorities have initiated the detention of 5 members of the "Mouvement révolutionnaire congolais (MRC)". It hopes that those individuals will no longer return to Ituri to continue destabilising the region.

I also wish to announce the presence among us of the United Nations team that deals with the arms embargo and trafficking issues in the region. It is a normal working visit in the context of his mandate.

Two minor issues to conclude. The first relates to our colleagues of the press who reproduce our articles from monuc.org. I would like to remind them that if reproducing articles can go free of charge, they should at least mention the source. This is a matter of ethics. The second issue relates to the coverage of elections. It should be noted that Monuc will only provide transport to the journalists wishing to travel to provinces.

Now I leave the floor to Lieutenant-Colonel Frédéric Médard to give you military information. Colonel,

In Ituri district, following an attack carried out on 8 April by Lendu elements against Ndo Okebo village, the Nepalese battalion dispatched a patrol to stabilize the situation and bring assistance to the local population by distributing food to 80 IDPs. Also on 8 April, the Bangladeshi battalion stationed at Marabo and Komanda secured the road up to Bunia, in search of armed groups, while the Pakistani batallion stationed at Kagaba carried out a patrol up to Bagoro to check the security situation in the area. During this patrol, contact was made with the local FARDC commander.

From 8 to 11 April, acting on information received, Bangladeshi peacekeepers carried out a cordon-and-search operation in the regions of Nyamavi, Fitchama and Boa. Near Nyamavi, militiamen fled in the face of MONUC soldiers, leaving behind 2 AK-47 assault rifles with magazines and ammunitions. At the same time, the Bangladeshi battalion continued to provide training for the 811th FARDC brigade at Nyamavi.

On 7 April, in North Kivu province, a patrol conducted the 1st Indian battalion at Nyamitwitwi came under fire from FDLR elements lying in ambush 3 km up in the hills of Mamamandara. During this past week, the Indian brigade continued its patrols with the DDRRR, notably by going to Buria, 10 km east of Pinga village, on the road to Kalembe. There, FDLR officials were sensitized to their having an interest in joining the demobilization repatriation process. Finally, a mobile operational base was deployed at Mirangi, 40 km south of Kanyabayonga to bolster security and build relations with the FARDC and the local population with a view to facilitating he return of IDPs to their villages.

In South Kivu province, the Pakistani contingent continued to provide logistic and operational support to FARDC troops engaged in the operation South Sustain which is moving forward according to plans. On 9 April, with the support of Blue Helmets, the FARDC left Bunyakiri to move back into their positions at Bikale. From this zone, patrols are now being conducted with the aim of restoring a climate of confidence among the civilian population. And there was no incident reported.

Of more concern, however, were the killings carried out in Bukavu by armed individuals and against which the local population expressed their exasperation. These acts are common-law crimes.

The population's suspicions fall on FARDC soldiers, although, to date, there has been no information enabling formal identification of the perpetrators.

Consistent with its mandate, MONUC will provide all the necessary support to the Congolese authorities in charge of doing all that is in their power to restore calm and peace to Bukavu. This must be achieved both by identifying the perpetrators of these crimes and ensuring strict discipline within the ranks of FARDC units.
To this effect, the South Kivu brigade commander proposed to the Congolese authorities the implementation of particular measures, including:

- intensifying patrols in the neighborhoods targeted by these attacks;
- undertaking joint patrols involving Congolese National Police, Congolese Armed Forces and Bleu Helmets;
- banning nighttime movements of isolated armed soldiers in the town;
- creating a joint operational centre to coordinate action of these patrols and respond more effectively to such events should this occur again;
- moving the disarmament centre away from Bukavu;

With particular attention, MONUC will see to it that these measures, most of which were approved by the Congolese civilian and military authorities, are implemented.
While the number of militiamen and rebels decreases across the DRC territory, the Congolese forces must not, due to failure in having universally-used rules of military discipline imposed upon them, become a source of insecurity for the population whom they are supposed to protect.
MONUC endeavors to maintain confidence-based relations with the FARDC, and notably better mutual understanding.
MONUC remains very vigilant, however, because the Mission is accountable for the image of Blue Helmets as they represent the international community.
Therefore, MONUC will maintain a critical attitude and without concession towards the behavior of the FARDC. To this effect, the MONUC Force Commander has requested that at the end of each month, in liaison with the Division of Human Right, a report on all exactions committed by Congolese soldiers should be addressed to the general chief of staff of the FARDC.

We will now move on to the question-and-answer session. You all know how we usually do this. So please start by introducing yourself and stating the name of the press organ you represent. Thank you.