Annan hails new power-sharing government in DR of Congo
United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today hailed the historic swearing-in of the four Vice-Presidents who will
head up the Democratic Republic of the Congo's (DRC) new power-sharing transitional government as a "milestone" in the
war-weary country's search for lasting peace.
In a statement released in New York by a spokesman for the Secretary-General, Mr. Annan welcomed the installation of the
Government of National Unity and Transition in Kinshasa, marked by the swearing-in ceremony of the Vice Presidents
today.
"This is a historic milestone in the peace process in the Democratic Republic of the Congo," the statement said, adding
that "the vision of peace and reconciliation articulated in the 1999 Lusaka Ceasefire Agreement is taking shape."
The Secretary-General called on the Congolese leaders to fulfil their responsibilities in meeting the daunting
challenges of transition; and steering their country onto the path of reconciliation, recovery as well as free and fair
elections.
"The United Nations stands ready to play its part in assisting the Congolese consolidate the hard-won gains in the peace
process," the statement said.