1.   A new Russian labour code broadly favourable to employers comes into effect on Friday, replacing Soviet-era legislation seen as an impediment to restructuring the economy.

2.   The third main union, the pro-socialist CFDT, is broadly favourable to the social security reform, which includes calls for postponement of the public sector retirement age.

3.   The residents of Lubumbashi, capital of the mineral-rich Shaba province from which Kabila hails, are believed to be broadly favourable to the rebels.

4.   Kabila -- who has promised to reach Kinshasa by June -- originates from Shaba province, where people are considered to be broadly favourable to the rebels.

5.   Public opinion in Lumumbashi at the weekend was broadly favourable to the rebel takeover, with residents complaining bitterly about the corruption and waste endemic under the Mobutu regime.

6.   Political reaction to the suggestion was broadly favourable, the royal family no longer being considered as a risk to the Republic.