"The United States supports this important step towards reuniting the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the establishment of a transitional government," the State Department said.
"In the spirit of the signing of this inclusive agreement, we call on all Congolese parties to cease any and all military activity in the Democratic Republic of the Congo," deputy spokesman Philip Reeker said.
"We urge the Congolese parties to support reconciliation and national unity that will lead to free and fair elections," he said in a statement.
The agreement, signed Wednesday in Sun City, South Africa, will see DRC President Joseph Kabila remain as head of state during a transition period of two years, extendable to three, leading to the first democratic elections since those held upon independence from Belgium in 1960.
He will share power with four vice presidents -- one from each of the two main rebel movements, one from the government and one from the political opposition.
Some 2.5 million people, according to UN figures, died either directly in combat or indirectly through disease and malnutrition in the conflict which broke out in August 1998.
At its peak, the war drew in troops from Angola, Namibia, Chad and Zimbabwe on the government side as Rwanda and Uganda supported different rebel groups, making it one of Africa's most complex conflicts - Sapa-AFP
EMAIL THIS ARTICLE SAVE THIS ARTICLE FEEDBACK
To subscribe email subscriptions@creamermedia.co.za or click here
To advertise email advertising@creamermedia.co.za or click here
