UN meets with Ugandan rebels
2005-09-26 16:58
Nairobi - The United Nations Mission in Congo (Monuc) met for the first time with Ugandan rebels who had crossed into north- eastern Congo, a Monuc spokesperson in Bunia said on Monday.
While no concrete decision was made, the UN official said telephone contact with the rebels will continue to monitor the situation.
"We urged them to disarm, otherwise the Congolese government won't allow them to stay in the country," the spokesperson added.
He could not confirm whether deputy Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) leader, Vincent Otti, was part of the group.
Some 400 rebels had crossed into DRC from bases in southern Sudan about a week ago.
LRA chief Joseph Kony has been under increasing military pressure from the Ugandan army.
Meanwhile, a former Ugandan government minister, Betty Bigombe, has been in direct contact with him after more than 11 years in an effort to resume peace talks. The last round of peace talks broke down in late 2004 when the rebels refused to sign a draft peace agreement.
The LRA rebels have fought a rebellion lasting 19 years in northern Uganda against the Ugandan government. - Sapa-dpa
- SAPA