Vietnam’s representative to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has applauded progresses in the peace process in the Central African Republic.

Addressing the UNSC’s session on Dec. 15, Ambassador Hoang Chi Trung, Deputy Permanent Representative to the UNSC, spoke highly of positive developments in the political front such as the appointment of a new National Mediator, the finalisation of the legal framework and establishment of the Independent Electoral Commission in preparation for the 2010 elections.

He commended the efforts made by the Government of the Central African Republic (CAR) in combating corruption, implementing civil service reform and promoting socio-economic development.

The Ambassador called on all parties concerned in the CAR to maintain the momentum of the Inclusive Political Dialogue held last December and further promote the peace process.

However, Trung expressed deep concerns about the worsening security and humanitarian situation in the southeastern part of the CAR as a result of the continued violent attacks by the rebel groups.

He affirmed support of a closer and better coordination between the UN Peacebuilding Support Office in the CAR (BONUCA) with other UN missions in the region to help the CAR and other regional states effectively deal with the security threat posed by the rebel groups.

He commended the assistance extended by BONUCA to the Government of the CAR in capacity building, expediting the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) and the Security Sector Reform (SSR) processes, and protecting the vulnerable groups, especially women and children./.