WASHINGTON, Oct 23 (KUNA) -- The US capital, Washington, hosted on Tuesday and Wednesday the third meeting of the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism (JSCM), bringing together representatives from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Rwanda, US, Qatar, and the African Union Commission to advance the implementation of the Washington Peace Agreement signed on June 27.
JSCM members reaffirmed their commitment to the Operations Order (OPORD), which serves as the implementation plan for advancing the Concept of Operations (CONOPS) negotiated during the previous JSCM and finalized at the Joint Oversight Committee (JOC) meeting on October 1.
Participants reviewed progress since the September 17-18 JSCM and the October 1 JOC meetings, including efforts under Phase 1 of the OPORD, which focused on preparation through threat analysis and information sharing. Building on this foundation, the parties coordinated specific actions to lay the groundwork toward neutralizing the FDLR and lifting Rwanda's defensive measures.
JSCM members planned to monitor progress and address challenges, as well as confirmed the fourth JSCM would be held on November 19-20.
The Governments of the DRC and Rwanda expressed their appreciation to the US, Qatar, and the African Union for their continued support and facilitation of the peace process.
All participants remain committed to advancing durable peace and stability in eastern DRC and the Great Lakes region. (end) asj.ahm