DRC: Kabila pledges to revive Lusaka

NAIROBI, 29 January 2001 (IRIN) - Joseph Kabila, son of slain DRC president Laurent-Desire Kabila, who was sworn in as his father's successor on Friday, has pledged to help revive the stalled Lusaka peace process. In his first address to the nation, broadcast by DRC state television, he paid tribute to his father, describing him as the "architect of the nation's liberation". He then went on to say the nation should "confront and overcome the current challenges that are both numerous and complex". These included the "war of aggression" against the DRC. "In agreement and in consultation with the allied countries that are supporting us in facing up to this aggression, we will examine ways and means to revive the Lusaka accord so that it can lead not only to an effective ceasefire, but also bring back peace to the Great Lakes region," Kabila stated. He also said "democratic life" within the DRC must be normalised. "The current domestic situation demands more political openness for national reconstruction," he said. "I pledge to pursue this openness so that all political actors can exercise their ights with respect for the rules and regulations." He added that the DRC would more be more active on the international scene. Furthermore, Kabila urged the UN to send troops to his country and he vowed to collaborate closely with the UN Mission in DRC (MONUC) "to enable it to discharge its mandate efficiently". Finally, he called for unity and reconciliation and saluted the "sacrifice" of all those living in "the occupied territories". The dusk to dawn curfew imposed after the assassination of Laurent-Desire Kabila has now been lifted, state television reported. However Information Minister Gaetan Kakudji said security measures would remain in force.