To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the merits of the proposed ceasefire in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, with particular reference to the position of General Nkunda. (182226)

I congratulate the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and all the participants on the successful outcome of the Conference on Peace, Security and Development in the provinces of north Kivu and south Kivu. The agreements reached offer a good opportunity for peace and stability in the region. All parties will need to continue to work together to secure a lasting peace.

I strongly support a political solution to issues in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The constructive approach of the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo towards General Nkunda has allowed his organisation, the National Congress for People's Defence, to contribute to efforts towards such a solution.