The UN Security Council voted unanimously Monday to widen the UN arms embargo in Congo as part of stepped-up efforts to bring peace to the sprawling African country's volatile east.

The resolution stressed the council's concern about armed groups and militias in eastern Congo, especially in the provinces of North and South Kivu and the Ituri district. They contribute to "a climate of insecurity in the whole region," it said.

In July 2004, the 15-member council extended an arms embargo for a year on foreign and Congolese armed groups and militias in those three areas, as well as to groups throughout the country that have not accepted a cease-fire.

But fighting in eastern Congo has continued.

Monday's resolution widens the arms embargo "to any recipient" of weapons in the country. It also calls for a travel ban and asset freeze on violators.

In an effort to stop those buying and selling arms, the new resolution made clear that the earlier resolution banned any "financing and financial assistance related to military activities."

The resolution approved Monday exempts new arms for soldiers and police who have integrated into the national army and police force. It also requires arms shipments to the military and police to be received at designated sites.

Council members also sought to increase pressure on Congo's neighbors to stop the flow of weapons.
 
The resolution requires Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda — which border eastern Congo — to ensure that their civilian and military airports are not used to deliver illegal arms. Congo and its neighbors would also be required to strengthen customs controls.

Congo's five-year war officially ended in 2002. Under a 2003 agreement, elections are due on June 30. But an independent electoral commission has said voting will likely be delayed until October or November because of unrest in the east, widespread homelessness caused by the war and legislative foot-dragging.

The resolution calls for the Security Council to review sanctions by July 31.

(Chinadaily.com via agencies, April 19, 2005)