Statement [made on behalf of the Security Council, at the 5998th meeting, 21 Oct. 2008, in connection with the Council's consideration of the item entitled "The situation concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo"]

Expresses its grave concern at the resurgence of violence in the eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its potential regional implications; expresses its deep concern over continued threats to the safety of the civilian population and to the conduct of humanitarian operations; strongly condemns the continuing recruitment and use of children by armed groups as well as the continued prevalence of sexual and gender based violence in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo; urges all parties to comply fully with their obligations under international law; reiterates its strong support to the UN Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) in helping restore peace in the Kivus and encourages MONUC to reinforce its action to ensure the protection of civilians; urges the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to take effective steps to ensure that there is no cooperation between elements of the FARDC and the FDLR; urges the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Government of the Republic of Rwanda to urgently engage in efforts to settle their differences; strongly condemns the recent attacks by the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), including the abduction by the LRA of 159 schoolchildren in villages in the Oriental Province.

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