Continuing fighting between rebel groups, foreign armies, and local militia groups in the Kivu provinces of eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo is threatening hopes that a peace agreement, signed last month among internal warring parties, can be effectively implemented, according to the Brussels-based International Crisis Group (ICG). ICG, a research and advocacy group on conflicts around the world, is urging the United Nations (news – web sites) and interested countries to focus their peace-making efforts in the North and Southern parts of Kivu and to reinforce the 3,000-strong UN peace-keeping mission (MONUC) that has been deployed in the region to give momentum and credibility to mediation. Full Story