Is a free trade zone not the ultimate objective of the regional integration discussed at the tripartite summit?
We can trade with Rwanda provided they are willing to respect Congolese laws and trade is carried out transparently and for the benefit of the entire population. We cannot accept Congolese minerals being exported to Rwanda in an uncontrolled way. The Congolese army itself is accused of grave human rights abuses, including rape, looting and killing of civilians. Joseph Kabila inherited a totally devastated country. We have to reconstruct everything. That takes time and money. The will is there to build an army which is well equipped and disciplined, but the resources needed are enormous. The integration of so many rebel forces into the national army is another challenge. But that is the price we have to pay for peace in Congo. Is MONUC (the UN peacekeeping force in Congo) assisting your government to rebuild the army? Not really. We are getting support from Angola, South Africa, Belgium, the European Union and France. How would you describe your current relationship with Uganda? Our rel
