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U.N.: Foreign Troops Get Out of Congo VOA News 26 Feb 2002 02:29 UTC 
The U.N. Security Council has called on all foreign troops in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to leave the country. Monday, the Security Council urged all parties to Congo's conflict to display the political will needed to achieve a peaceful settlement and reconciliation. Meanwhile, peace talks aimed at ending Congo's civil war opened Monday in Sun City, South Africa. Congolese President Joseph Kabila, opposition groups, representatives of civil society, and splintered rebel groups are among more than 300 delegates attending. The talks are expected to resume today (Tuesday) and last for about 45 days. The dialogue is meant to chart a peaceful transition to democracy in the central African country. A number of African leaders including the host, South African President Thabo Mbeki, attended the opening ceremony Monday to show their support for the peace efforts. The facilitator of the Inter-Congolese Dialogue, former Botswanan President Ketumile Masire urged delegates to put aside their personal agendas and work for the good of the Congolese people. Congo's civil war erupted in 1998 when rebels backed by Rwanda and Uganda tried to topple the government in Kinshasa. Angola, Namibia and Zimbabwe sent troops to back the government. The war has claimed an estimated two million lives.
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