LONDON, March 28 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued text of the following speech:

Thank you, President. Let me begin by thanking SRSG Keita for her briefing today, as well as Ms Jacquie-Anna for her remarks.

I have three points I wish to make in response. First, the United Kingdom commends SRSG Keita and MONUSCO for their continued efforts in increasingly difficult circumstances. Attacks on UN helicopters, convoys and personnel are unacceptable. We urge all parties to immediately end attacks on peacekeeping troops and deconflict activities to allow MONUSCO to fulfil its mandate.

Second, MONUSCO's withdrawal from South Kivu risks leaving a security vacuum. We urge the government of the DRC to assume its protection responsibili...