Kinshasa, 13 October 2010 – The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DR Congo (MONUSCO) welcomes the International Criminal Court's initiative having led to the arrest of Mr. Calixte Mbarushimana, the executive secretary of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) by French authorities on 11 October last.

Mr. Callixte Mbarushimana was arrested in connection with crimes committed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly in the North and South Kivu provinces.

MONUSCO is also pleased to note that the arrest is the result of a multi-dimensional strategy advocated by the Mission for two years to remedy the persisting security problems in eastern DRC, mainly caused by the FDLR.

MONUSCO reiterates its appeal to the countries hosting the individuals supporting active armed groups in DRC to take appropriate measures, following the example of France and Germany.