28/03/13 United States Department of State (Washington, DC) – Congo-Kinshasa: U.S. Envoy On U.N. Action On Democratic Republic of the Congo

 
 

 

 Thank you, Mr. President. Following the signing of the regional
framework agreement, we find ourselves at a key turning point in the DRC.

 

The framework process, which included personal engagement from
Secretary-General Ban, has breathed new life into efforts to find a durable
peace in eastern DRC, where over 5 million have lost their lives since 1998.

 

In light of the renewed commitments from the DRC, its neighbors, and the
international community laid out in the framework, the Security Council has
acted today to ensure that MONUSCO's mandate supports the framework agreement
in its efforts to address the root causes of conflict.

 

Given the introduction of the Intervention Brigade, the United States
has been particularly mindful of the need to "set MONUSCO up for
success" by streamlining the other tasks that MONUSCO – particularly its
military component – are tasked to. We underscore today that efforts to protect
civilians and neutralize armed groups must remain at the forefront of tasks for
MONUSCO, and are duties that all MONUSCO peacekeepers must do their utmost to
perform.

 

We recognize the need for continued coordination with the civilian side
in these efforts, particularly to ensure the protection of children and women,
and to prevent continuation of the horrible streak of sexual violence in the
DRC. In this regard, we fully support MONUSCO's continued role in human rights
monitoring, which we see as a key part of protecting civilians.

 

The Security Council has demonstrated its commitment to achieving peace
in the DRC by authorizing the Intervention Brigade today. We call on the DRC
government to meet its commitment to the parameters in the framework,
particularly in implementing credible Security Sector Reform. We also call on
the DRC's neighbors to meet their commitments in the Framework agreement.

 

As we look ahead, we welcome the Secretary-General's appointment of Mary
Robinson as his Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region and will support her
efforts to craft and ensure implementation of a political process that
complements the work of MONUSCO to bring lasting peace to the citizens of
eastern DRC.

I thank you.