Statement by the Press Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, on the Declarations on the end of the M23's rebellion against the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo

TOKYO, Japan, December 17, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ — 1. Japan welcomes the Declarations signed on December 12 respectively by the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the M23 and Chair of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, the President of Uganda, and Chair of the Southern African Development Community, the President of Malawi, on the end of rebellion of the M23 against the Government of the DRC.

2. Japan considers these declarations as an important step towards consolidation of peace in eastern DRC and the region. It also expects that the Government of the DRC, neighboring countries, the UN and regional organizations work together to implement the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the DRC and the Region signed in Addis Ababa on February 24. On this occasion, it also hopes that the other armed groups in the country lay down their weapons.

3. Consolidation of peace is one of the priority areas of Japan’s ODA policy in the DRC. For sustainable peace in the country, Japan will continue its support such as capacity building of the police and improvement of access to social services.