Published on ShanghaiDaily.com (http://www.shanghaidaily.com/)
http://www.shanghaidaily.com/sp/article/2008/200811/20081102/article_379153.htm
European leaders fly in to stem Congo conflict
Created: 2008-11-2
THE French and British foreign ministers flew into the Democratic Republic of Congo yesterday on a European Union mission to try to secure peace and help tens of thousands of civilians fleeing conflict.
French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner and British Foreign Secretary David Miliband were due to meet Congolese President Joseph Kabila in Kinshasa and travel to the eastern city of Goma which was threatened by Tutsi rebels last week.
Kouchner, whose country holds the rotating European Union presidency, and Miliband are due to look at the possibility of an EU humanitarian airlift into North Kivu that could be protected by its troops on the ground.
The attacks by fighters loyal to rebel leader, General Laurent Nkunda, and subsequent killings and looting by Congolese army troops have driven thousands from their homes in the North Kivu border province.
The displaced civilians are seeking shelter, water and food in what is described as a catastrophic humanitarian situation.
French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner and British Foreign Secretary David Miliband were due to meet Congolese President Joseph Kabila in Kinshasa and travel to the eastern city of Goma which was threatened by Tutsi rebels last week.
Kouchner, whose country holds the rotating European Union presidency, and Miliband are due to look at the possibility of an EU humanitarian airlift into North Kivu that could be protected by its troops on the ground.
The attacks by fighters loyal to rebel leader, General Laurent Nkunda, and subsequent killings and looting by Congolese army troops have driven thousands from their homes in the North Kivu border province.
The displaced civilians are seeking shelter, water and food in what is described as a catastrophic humanitarian situation.
Agencies
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