[ecr]

“This initiative is part of Algeria’s role as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. It is also driven by our country’s permanent concern to actively contribute to any effort aimed at promoting peace and security across the continent and boosting better relations between African countries,” said the press release.

In this respect, and during phone calls he held respectively with his counterparts from DR Congo and Rwanda, Attaf “discussed ways that would likely end the dangerous escalation of the conflict in Eastern DRC and pave the way for an effective revival of the political process for the definitive settlement of this conflict.”

Attaf also held phone calls with his Angolan and Kenyan counterparts, “commending their countries’ ongoing dedication to resolving the DRC crisis through both the Luanda and Nairobi processes,” added the press release.

Attaf expressed “Algeria’s complete support and readiness to assist in these peace efforts benefiting both the Democratic Republic of Congo and the broader Great Lakes region.”

The minister also held discussions with his South African and Ugandan counterparts, with whom he agreed on “the need for increased diplomatic mobilization of all the continent’s vital forces to foster a climate of serenity, conducive to mediation efforts and resolution of this conflict.”

“Minister Ahmed Attaf and his African counterparts warmly welcomed the initiative taken by the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community to organize a joint summit on this issue very soon, viewing it as a crucial opportunity to restore the ceasefire in DRC and establish conditions for lasting regional peace,” concluded the press release.

[/ecr]