There now exists a better chance for peace in eastern Congo than at any time since the current deadly cycle of conflict began in the mid-1990s.

I would like to thank you and Senator Durbin for the National Defense Authorization Act and the provisions on accountability.

A key role a special envoy could play is to insist on accountability for the DRC and for Rwanda.

Thank you, Mr. Prendergast, for those particularly spirited and focused remarks and recommendations.

my heart aches for everyone who has been affected by this tragedy.

The fourth reason why peace is possible is, as you noted in your opening statement, Senator Coons, this new Peace and Security Framework that 11 countries have signed along with the United Nations Secretary General.

Thank you very much for your attention.

It is critical for the U.S. Government to play a more active role than we have in the past in any upcoming initiatives.

The new normal, I believe, is accountability, and that is partly due to the fact that this committee was so strong in its condemnation of that.

Has it had any impact at all, or the lack of enforcement, the lack of training and support and engagement by the police and the judicial system--is that the core problem?

this is a moment--a moment when peace is possible, when with a disciplined and engaged and thorough international support and engagement, we might really see the beginning of the end of what has been decades of horrible challenge and…

I would like to thank Senator Flake and Senator Durbin who joined us today.