MONUSCO PRESS RELEASE

Martin Kobler and Mary Robinson condemn new attack by the M23 against a UN Helicopter

Kinshasa, 18 October 2013: The head of MONUSCO, Martin Kobler, and the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, Mary Robinson, strongly condemned a new attack by the M23 against an unarmed MONUSCO helicopter, the second in less than a week.

The latest attack occurred this morning when the helicopter came under direct fire from positions held by the March 23 (M23) rebel movement over Kibumba, Rutshuru, in the North Kivu.

Martin Kobler and Mary Robinson are currently in Kampala with the special envoys of EU, USA and UA to observe the talks between the Congolese government and the M23. MONUSCO believes that nothing should distract or disturb a successful outcome of the Kampala talks.

Note to Editors:

1. The helicopter was on the route Goma-Kanyamohoro-Kibumba-ThreeAntenna-Bizuru Hill – Mount Hehu- Goma.

2. The firing occurred at approximately 08: 16 between Bizuru Hill and Kinyamohoro

3. Checks carried out showed no damage/shot marks on the helicopter