ReliefWeb

MAPUTO, Mozambique (PANA) - Mozambican President Joaquim Chissano has called an extra-ordinary summit of the heads of state and government of the Southern African Development Community countries, to discuss the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, one of the group's newest members.
Chissano called the summit to be held on 16 January in Maputo in his capacity as SADC chairman.

The Mozambican Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release the forum will discuss the current phase of implementation of the 10 July 1999 Lusaka cease-fire accord.

"The meeting will also evaluate the work carried out by the commissions instituted under the Lusaka accord, concerning the modalities and mechanisms of its implementation, aimed at taking appropriate measures for the rapid normalisation of the situation in that SADC country," the ministry said.

Fierce fighting has continued in the DRC, despite the signing of the accord, and both the government of President Laurent Kabila and the rebel forces have accused each other of violating the agreement.

Chissano has taken advantage of the fact that many SADC leaders will be in Maputo at the weekend to attend his inauguration for a further five-year term in office on Saturday, to host the summit.

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