Belgian PM seeks "constructive" dialogue with DR Congo

Belgian PM seeks "constructive" dialogue with DR Congo

 

Brussels, Belgium - The Belgian government is eager to restore diplomatic relations with the DR Congo, Belgium Prime Minister Yves Leterme said at the end of a meeting with Belgian ambassadors around the world.

Regretting the closure of the Belgian consulates in Bukavu and Lubumbashi, Leterme said that he was still "open to talks with the Congolese authorities that can lead to a constructive dialogue and the normalisation of relations with DR Congo".

International pressures, particularly from the European Union, are on the Belgian authorities to restore as quick as possible normal relations with the DRC.

Following the disparaging remarks by Belgian Foreign Minister Karel De Gucht towards the Congolese authorities, Kinshasa recalled its ambassador to Brussels and decided to order the closure of its consulates in Bukavu and Lubumbashi.

Congolese Foreign Affairs Minister Antipas Mbusa Nyamwisi, told the Foreign Affa irs Commission of the Congolese Parliament that "Congo was entitled to respect," Belgian official news Agency, Belga, reports.

According to a Belgian diplomat who declined to be named, the Belgian and Congolese authorities are arranging a date for a meeting between President Joseph Kabila and Mr. Leterme.

This meeting could take place in Paris, France, during President Kabila's visit this month at the invitation of French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

DRC will mark the 48th anniversary of its independence 30 June and Belgium would like to be present after normalising its relations with its former colony.
 
Brussels - 07/06/2008




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