EU urges Congo to relocate barracks

Brazzaville, Congo (PANA) - The delegate of the European Union (EU) in Congo, Marcel Van Opstal, has called on the Congolese government to relocate its military barracks in major cities, following the 4 March munitions depot explosion in the capital, Brazzaville, that killed at least 200.

Mr. Opstal made the call while addressing a press conference here Thursday.

"We hope that concrete steps will be taken soon in order to evaluate and, if necessary, secure the other (military) depots in the country that would be at risk, especially those of Pointe-Noire, Ouesso, Owando and Dolisie, to make sure that no more ammunition depot is located in residential area, " Mr. Van Opstal said.

Since the explosion, which also left many displaced, the EU has provided Congo with assistance worth 2.5 million euros.
-0- PANA MB/JSG/JEN/SEG 16Mar2012