The United States calls on the M23 and Rwanda to cease hostilities and withdraw from their positions in the DRC. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken made this statement following a telephone conversation on Friday, December 27 with President Félix Tshisekedi on the subject of the crisis in eastern DRC.
The American statesman thanked President Tshisekedi for his commitment to the Luanda process, led by Angolan President João Lourenço, and for his participation in the December 15 talks.
He reiterated the US position, saying the M23 and Rwandan defense forces must cease hostilities and withdraw from their positions in eastern DRC.
Antony J. Blinken, however, encouraged President Tshisekedi to move forward with plans to neutralize the armed group Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda.
The Secretary of State welcomed the collaboration of President Tshisekedi with the former Kenyan president, Mr. Uhuru Kenyatta, who offered his good offices for mediation with the M23.
About a week ago, the representative of the United States of America to the Security Council expressed his concern about the advance of the M23 in North Kivu with the conquest of new territories.
On this occasion, Washington also pleaded for the continuation of the Luanda process as part of the implementation of the Verification Mechanism.
