Russ Feingold

We will want to see even more support in this regard and guarding against any reduction.

I think there has been some of that, but I think, based on my actual observation of what is happening over there, less than I would have expected based on those comments.

This is not permitted under the Nairobi Declarations.

I am cautiously optimistic about the road ahead for the DRC and the Great Lakes.

What Secretary Clinton did by looking at this issue and sticking with it was a very important step in the right direction.

These were not easy conversations, but they were direct and I think they were helpful in making it clear that the United States certainly does not overlook that sort of thing in this context.

This is the moment when the Democratic Republic of Congo has to show it can have credible elections.

I think we need to continue to support an extension which will be decided in March.

Action against the FDLR and the ADF has to happen I think relatively soon to make sure that the diplomatic commitments that we made are fulfilled.

It may be necessary to have an intervention brigade like this that is skilled at taking tough action but protecting civilians at the same time.

The highest levels of the U.S. Government are now committed to helping the DRC and the Great Lakes region realize peace and development.

Not only is democracy in the Congo problematic, particularly following the 2011 elections, but those in neighboring countries as well.

We need more clarity from the Democratic Republic of Congo and not simply how much they intend to devote to this but also exactly the kinds of things you were describing.

U.S. companies must now disclose the origin of minerals purchased from the DRC.

It is part of the Congolese system, but it benefits from the addition of international jurists, often African jurists, who will help increase the credibility and expertise of the court so it is credible.

I think we ought to look at any modifications where people give specific problems with the mechanism.

We raised this issue with the Rwandan Government that we had seen a credible body of reporting that that was happening.

Well, Mr. Chairman, this is where the process that is a little more promising is the key, and that is that the justice system of the DRC has to move forward in an effective way to be able to prosecute these individuals.

They passed an amnesty law that does not allow amnesty for those types of individuals.

We still have a place where hundreds of thousands of women have been raped and gotten HIV because of this.

This is one where I think more clarity needs to come, and this is why I focused, when we talk about DDR, on the need for more clarity with regard to the reintegration part.

In that document is a pledge to give no support whatsoever to illegal armed groups in the DRC.

A year ago, it was not just the United Nations or the United States signing a series of provisions about what ought to be done in the DRC.

I believe these things can happen. It is not easy, but it is something that I think there is sufficient attention.

The people of eastern Congo, particularly the women of eastern Congo, have to believe that the military is there for them, not to be an opportunity for abusing them.