UN calls on Congo, Rwanda to 'defuse tensions'

AFP - UN leader Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday called on the presidents of rival Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda to "defuse tensions" over a rebellion in eastern Congo, a UN spokesman said.

Ban spoke with President Paul Kagame of Rwanda and President Joseph Kabila of the DR Congo to discuss the deteriorating humanitarian and security situation in eastern Congo, said UN spokesman Martin Nesirky.

The Congo government and a UN panel of sanctions experts have said Rwanda is supplying arms and fighters for M23 rebels who have seized territory in recent days. Rwanda has denied involvement.

Ban "expressed grave concern" over reports that the M23 mutineers "are receiving external support and are well-trained, armed and equipped," said Nesirky.

The UN secretary general sought to "identify possible steps to resolve the crisis."

"Stressing the need do everything possible to dissuade the M23 from making further advances and to cease fighting immediately, the secretary general urged Presidents Kagame and Kabila to pursue dialogue in order to defuse tensions and bring an end to the crisis," said the spokesman.