THE Government of Rwanda on Saturday, July 19, welcomed the signing in Doha, Qatar, of the Declaration of Principles for a peace agreement between the Government of DR Congo and the AFC/M23 rebels "in support of a pathway to a comprehensive peace agreement, facilitated by the State of Qatar.”

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Following the June 27 peace agreement signed in Washington DC between Rwanda and DR Congo, and efforts of the Africa-led initiatives, "today’s declaration in Doha is a significant step forward towards the peaceful resolution” of the conflict in eastern DR Congo, "by addressing the root causes of the conflict and restoring security and stability in our region,” reads a statement by the ministry of foreign affairs.

It adds: "The Government of Rwanda appreciates the crucial mediation role of the State of Qatar with the support of the United States Government, which builds on the efforts of the African Union, as well as the joint EAC/SADC initiatives, and has contributed to the milestone achieved today in Doha. We all have to support continuation of progress to the conclusion.

"Rwanda remains committed to contributing to sustainable peace as well as economic development in the Great Lakes region.”