UN ready to withdraw troops from Dem Congo

UN: United Nations is preparing the withdrawal of the first group of soldiers, by the end of June, of its mission in Democratic Republic of Congo (MUNOC).

The decision was announced here by the UN General Sub Secretary for Peace Operations Alain Le Roy in a report presented to the Security Council that respond to a demand of the African government.

The date for the removal of the world organization's troops will match up with the 50 anniversary of the Congolese independence, as demanded by the administration of President Joseph Kabila.

The first to abandon the place will be the most outstanding soldiers of the eastern zone of this country, emphasized the UN leader.

The MONUC (United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo) was established in November 1999 and its leadership should be renewed next May.

At present that mission is made up of 18,600 soldiers, 1,150 policemen, 700 military observers and 1,000 international civilians and 2,600 national.

This contingent is targeted to protect the civilian population displaced from their homes because of the internal armed conflict estimated in one million 125, 000 people.

New York, Sunday, Prensa Latina