Kinshasa, 18 August 2010 - The new Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations in the Democratic Republic of Congo ( DRC ) and Head of Mission for Stabilization in DRC ( MONUSCO ), took office last July 26 . In three weeks he has met the Congolese officials and toured the East, in Province Orientale and Kivu. Mr. Meece also participated on Wednesday to MONUSCO weekly press conference. Transcript of questions and answers

The Special Representative; Hello to you all and hello also to our listeners. First, I would also add my personal condolences to the families, our soldiers who lost their lives while working for the establishment of peace and stability of this country. I also present my condolences to all victims who continue to suffer in the hands of these armed groups that threaten stability and peace, especially in the east of the country .

I have just arrived here about three weeks ago to take my duties as personal representative of the Secretary General. I would say it is a great privilege to be back here again in the Congo and especially with the United Nations . And it is also a real pleasure to have the opportunity to be with you again here in Congo .

I started to meet with the Congolese authorities , ambassadors and diplomats. But I have also taken one week, last week, to visit the East, visiting areas of Dungu, Bunia , Goma and Bukavu, to better understand the situation, have the opportunity to personally see the situation that prevails in the East. And I would like to continue to visit the sectors more often, and pursue my introduction visits here in Kinshasa .

I want to say in brief that it is obvious to me to have the opportunity to return to the Congo at a time it has already made significant progress, but it is also clear that there are still many things to do. And I am confident we can still continue to make progress, build on the foundation already established by a lot of people , working in partnership with the Government, Congolese authorities and other partners to ensure peace in the future, the country success that the Congolese people deserve.

Then I came to contribute to this effort. I am still optimistic about the future despite the challenges and difficulties. And I consider myself very fortunate to have a team that I have found here in MONUSCO and UN agencies with whom I can work.

With these words of introduction , I am open to your questions.