Tuesday, April 10, 2007

BEMBA ALLOWED TO LEAVE D.R. CONGO !

Mr Bemba will receive medical treatment for a leg injury. The Democratic Republic of Congo's wanted opposition leader has been given permission to leave the country to receive medical treatment in Portugal.
Former rebel leader Jean-Pierre Bemba took refuge in South Africa's embassy in Kinshasa after clashes between his militia and government troops in March.
Mr Bemba had been accused of treason, with a warrant issued for his arrest.
The clashes had threatened to derail the peace process, which followed five years of bitter conflict.
Fragile peace
Mr Bemba, a former vice-president, has been allowed to go to Portugal for 60 days to receive treatment on his leg, say officials at the senate, where Mr Bemba has a seat.
A BBC correspondent says there is speculation the trip may be used as a diplomatic move to ease tension following last month's clashes.

In pictures: Kinshasa clashes
Clashes reflect Congo's divide

Before the announcement, hundreds of Mr Bemba's supporters demonstrated in the north-western town of Mbandaka, denouncing what they called threats and the illegal arrests of opposition members.
President Joseph Kabila defeated Mr Bemba in a second round run-off presidential election last October.
This was hailed as the first democratic poll in the country for more than 40 years.
Mr Bemba denied plotting military action to overthrow the president and accused the army of trying to kill him.
The violence started when Mr Bemba's armed bodyguards refused to be integrated into the national army.
Up to 600 people may have died in the clashes, according to EU diplomats in Kinshasa.
As a senator, Mr Bemba enjoys immunity from prosecution.
The government had said it would seek to have this stripped.
BBC NEWS REPORT.

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