Statement [made on behalf of the Security Council, at the 5095th meeting, 7 Dec. 2004, in connection with the Council's consideration of the item entitled "The situation concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo"]

Expresses its very deep concern at multiple reports of military operations by the Rwandan army in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo; condemns any such military actions that are contrary to its resolutions; demands that Rwanda withdraw any forces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; calls on all governments to commit themselves to the multilateral mechanisms they have agreed to establish; urges all Member States to fully comply with their obligations under resolution 1493 (2003); welcomes steps taken to establish the plan aimed at accelerating the disarmament of foreign armed groups; calls upon Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to explore ways to facilitate the voluntary repatriation of the combatants based on existing mechanisms; calls on the Congolese authorities to accelerate the integration of the armed forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and encourages the donor community to provide coordinated financial and technical assistance to this task; condemns any attempt aimed at undermining the unity and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

2 p.