UN Security Council demands end of advances by M23 rebels in DR Congo

UNITED NATIONS, March 29 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council on Wednesday adopted a presidential statement, demanding the end of any further advances, and withdrawal from all occupied areas by the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The council strongly condemns the increase in attacks by the M23 in the country's North Kivu province in recent months and the advances of M23, which are worsening security and stability in the region and further exacerbating an extreme humanitarian situation, said the statement.

The Security Council demands the immediate and full implementation of commitments on the cessation of hostilities, the end of any further advances by the M23, and its withdrawal from all occupied areas as agreed through the African Union-endorsed Luanda Process, it said.

"The Security Council further demands that all external parties immediately cease their support to Security Council-sanctioned M23 and withdraw from the DRC," it added.

The council also strongly condemns increased attacks by certain other armed groups against civilians in Ituri and North Kivu, demanding that all members of armed groups immediately and permanently disband, lay down their arms, end and prevent violations perpetrated against women and children, and release children from their ranks.

Further, the Security Council underlined the importance of a political resolution of the current crisis, urging all Congolese armed groups to participate unconditionally in the Eastern African Community-led Nairobi process.

"The Security Council reiterates its support to regional efforts through the East African Community-led Nairobi Process and the Luanda Process to rebuild trust, resolve differences through dialogue and to continue to make use of existing subregional organisations and mechanisms," the statement said.