Monitor Pull-Out, UPDF Tells UN

By Emmy Allio UGANDA has asked the United Nations observer mission to Congo (MONUC) to monitor the withdrawal of two UPDF battalions it plans to pull out from the Democratic Republic of Congo. In a statement on the peace process in the DRC, state minister for foreign affairs Amama Mbabazi said, "As a demonstration of Uganda's commitment to a successful implementation of the Lusaka Ceasefire Agreement, and in order to encourage further progress, the Government has decided to withdraw an additional two battalions from Congo." Mbabazi on Tuesday said besides normal trade between the two nations, Uganda had no interests in the DRC. "Uganda believes her own security will be assured if there is peace and stability in the DRC and in the Great Lakes region as a whole," he said. The UN secretary General, Kofi Annan, said he had instructed his special representative, Kamel Morjane, the top UN official in DRC, "to get the observers ready to go and work with them (Uganda) on the withdrawal." MONUC has 210 military observers in the DRC and neighbouring countries, out of an authorised strength of 5,537. In August last year, Uganda withdrew from Congo about 4,000 troops who have been re-deployed in Moroto and Kotido districts to disarm the Karimojong warriors. Mbabazi supported the February 26 planned deployment by the United Nations of MONUC observers in 30km wide demilitarised zones to be created between the belligerents in Congo. He hailed the improved relationship between new Congolese president Joseph Kabila and MONUC. He said this would contribute to early deployment of UN observers in Congo. Ends