DR Congo peace talks resume after break

NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec. 19 (UPI) -- Peace talks resumed Thursday between the Democratic Republic of Congo government and the rebel group National Congress for the Defense of the People.

The resumption of talks, following a weeklong break, showed signs of a desire to bring peace to Congo, where the rebel group, known as CNPD, led by former general Laurent Nkunda, for weeks has clashed violently with government forces.

The U.N.-organized peace talks are being held in Kenya's capital of Nairobi and are moderated by Olusegun Obasanjo, former president of Nigeria, and the U.N. secretary-general special envoy to Congo, with Benjamin Mkapa, former Tanzanian president, the United Nations reported.

The violence in Congo's eastern North Kivu province has forced an estimated 250,000 people from their homes. The International Committee of the Red Cross has said the deadly violence has escalated into a humanitarian crisis in the country.

"This round of negotiations is slated to end on Dec. 20, when the two sides are set to adopt a framework for substantive dialogue attempting to end the conflict that has been plaguing the eastern part of the vast DR Congo," the release said.