Live streams

DRC, M23 Peace Talks to Resume in Uganda Friday

Congolese Foreign Minister Raymond Tshibanda at peace talks with M23 rebels, Kampala, Uganda, Dec. 9, 2012.

TEXT SIZE - +

Peter Clottey

Last updated on: January 03, 2013 4:38 PM

A spokesman for Uganda’s government says talks between the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23 group are scheduled to resume Friday, despite threats by the rebels to pull out.

The talks would be held in Uganda’s capital, Kampala.

Spokesman Fred Opolot says Uganda's defense minister, Crispus Kiyonga, will be mediating in the talks and is working closely with the two sides to help resolve some of their differences before they start.

“The regional bloc has been working extremely hard to ensure that both parties come to the table…for the peaceful resolution as far as the conflict in the eastern DRC is concerned,” said Opolot.

The talks were suspended over the December holidays. Opolot says representatives of the government and the rebels unanimously agreed on the rules and procedure and agenda for the talks.

“As far as the agenda is concerned, there was just one sticking point and it wasn’t as contentious as some commentators believe. But, we expect that some of these issues resolved amicably. By then, they would have time to consult with the [regional] heads of state of the International Conference of the Great Lakes,” Opolot said.

The rebels had threatened to pull out of the talks, insisting the government signs a ceasefire agreement. But the Kinshasa government rejected the demands.

Some analysts say if the talks fail, it could plunge the DRC into a deeper security crisis. But, Opolot says representatives of both groups are working to resolve outstanding differences.

“There were some concerns, but it is in the process and both sides deliberating, and indeed further consultations are ongoing, in as far as that aspect of the talks is concerned,” said Opolot.

He said regional leaders are hopeful that a solution can be found soon.

“Before the Christmas break, the mood at the talks was generally great and both parties were jovial,” Opolot said. “And indeed they had agreed on contentious issues and agreed that they will try to further go for consultations with their principals.”

Clottey interview with Fred Opolot, Uganda government spokesman

12:00:00 / -:--:--

⎚

Republish This Story

DRC, M23 Peace Talks to Resume in Uganda Friday

<h1>DRC, M23 Peace Talks to Resume in Uganda Friday </h1><img src="http://www.voanews.com/App_Themes/VOA_en-US/img/colorLogo.gif"/>A spokesman for Uganda’s government says talks between the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23 group are scheduled to resume Friday, despite threats by the rebels to pull out. The talks would be held in Uganda’s capital, Kampala. Spokesman Fred Opolot says Uganda's defense minister, Crispus Kiyonga, will be mediating in the talks and is working closely with the two sides to help resolve some of their differences before they start. “The regional bloc has been working extremely hard to ensure that both parties come to the table…for the peaceful resolution as far as the conflict in the eastern DRC is concerned,” said Opolot. The talks were suspended over the December holidays. Opolot says representatives of the government and the rebels unanimously agreed on the rules and procedure and agenda for the talks. “As far as the agenda is concerned, there was just one sticking point and it wasn’t as contentious as some commentators believe. But, we expect that some of these issues resolved amicably. By then, they would have time to consult with the [regional] heads of state of the International Conference of the Great Lakes,” Opolot said. The rebels had threatened to pull out of the talks, insisting the government signs a ceasefire agreement. But the Kinshasa government rejected the demands. Some analysts say if the talks fail, it could plunge the DRC into a deeper security crisis. But, Opolot says representatives of both groups are working to resolve outstanding differences. “There were some concerns, but it is in the process and both sides deliberating, and indeed further consultations are ongoing, in as far as that aspect of the talks is concerned,” said Opolot.   He said regional leaders are hopeful that a solution can be found soon.   “Before the Christmas break, the mood at the talks was generally great and both parties were jovial,” Opolot said. “And indeed they had agreed on contentious issues and agreed that they will try to further go for consultations with their principals.” <div class="tag_image tag_audio_plain" contenteditable="false" mode="audio|plain|245449"> Clottey interview with Fred Opolot, Uganda government spokesman<img alt="" src="../../../img/spacer.gif" title="This is just placeholder, it will be replaced public site." /></div><link rel="canonical" href="http://www.voanews.com/content/drc-m23-peace-talks-to-resume-in-uganda-friday/1577368.html"/><meta name="syndication-source" content="http://www.voanews.com/content/drc-m23-peace-talks-to-resume-in-uganda-friday/1577368.html"/><img src="http://livetracker.voanews.eu/counter.lt?PageType=256&RecordId=1577368&SiteId=415&r=1867593542&it=0&pd=20130103213835&url=ArticleID1577368" alt="" style="border:none;" height="1" width="1">

Featured Videos

Your JavaScript is turned off or you have an old version of Adobe's Flash Player. Get the latest Flash player.

Video

US Oil Surge Could Impact Mideast Geopolitics

The United States will account for a third of new oil supplies over the next five years, and will become energy self-sufficient in 20 years, according to a new report by the Paris-based International Energy Agency (IEA). Although U.S. oil imports from Arab Gulf countries increased last year, analysts predict the U.S. will lose its dependence on Middle East imports, which is expected to have a huge impact on international relations and the balance of power. VOA's Henry Ridgewell reports.