IP/09/721

Brussels, 7 May 2009

Louis Michel welcomes Rwanda's appointment of Mr Amandin Rugira as its future Ambassador to the DRC

Louis Michel has welcomed the appointment by Kigali of Mr Amandin Rugira as Rwanda's future Ambassador to the DRC, a step which confirms these two countries' determination to rebuild a relationship based on trust.

"We have been waiting impatiently for this: it is an extremely positive step towards the normalisation of relations between the two countries. I am confident that the DRC will accept this proposal and will shortly do the same thing, consolidating the mutual commitment to normalise diplomatic relations by exchanging Ambassadors. This news is a source of satisfaction and hope, in particular for the region's population who can at last enjoy the prospect of a brighter future since the kind of problems these countries have had in the past will from now on be resolved by dialogue and an exchange of views based on mutual respect.

I sincerely hope that the DRC and Rwanda, two countries which have so much to contribute to the region's progress, will be able to pursue their newfound cooperation, based on respect for each other's interests".