The international community has endorsed the regional initiative to end the crisis in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo by deploying a neutral international force.

During a briefing on the outcome of the extraordinary International Conference of the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) summit in Kampala yesterday, several diplomats voiced their commendation for the regional effort.

"We welcome this regional engagement to find a solution to this problem in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and put an end to it," an envoy from the European Union delegation to Uganda stated.

The briefing at Speke Resort Munyonyo was conducted by the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador James Mugume.

"We believe in the role Uganda can play and support the process," Aline Kuster-Menager, the French ambassador to Uganda, remarked.

The head of the United Nations stabilization mission to the DRC, Roger Meece, observed that the objectives of the proposed force, as spelt out by the ICGLR summits in Addis Ababa and in Kampala, are similar to those of the peacekeepers he heads; to protect civilians and ensure humanitarian access.

"We, therefore, indicate our desire to support the efforts of the ICGLR within our mandate and limits given by the United Nations and the resources available," Meece commented.