02 09 13 Associated Press: Congo opposition parties to boycott unity event

The
decision is a blow to unity efforts by Congolese President Joseph Kabila, who
has been urging national reconciliation at a time when he faces a rebellion in
the country's east.

Among
those skipping the talks are supporters of Etienne Tshisekedi, who finished
second in the disputed 2011 presidential election. Opposition groups say they
want a neutral facilitator in place before they can take part in the talks.

Kabila
has promised reforms to help unify Congo,
a nation the size of Western Europe that is
rich in mineral wealth but plagued by violence.

Tensions
still linger from the 2011 vote that the European Union said was fraught with
irregularities and fraud.