1.   Belgium opened three days of talks with Congolese opposition groups in an effort to promote dialogue between rival factions in its strife-torn former colony.

2.   Belgium opened three days of talks with Congolese opposition groups Tuesday in an effort to promote dialogue between rival factions in its strife-torn former colony.

3.   He pulled out saying the talks would not be representative of the Congolese opposition.

4.   It has been rejected by the RCD and some others in the Congolese political opposition.

5.   It has been rejected by the Rwandan-backed Congolese Rally for Democracy rebel group and some others in the Congolese political opposition.

6.   Kabila, meanwhile, said last week that former Botswana President Ketumile Masire could come to the capital, Kinshasa, to mediate talks with the Congolese opposition.

7.   Ministers angrily rejected an invitation to attend a meeting this month in South Africa between the rebels and representatives of Congolese opposition parties.

8.   Ministers angrily rejected an invitation to attend a meeting last week in South Africa between the rebels and representatives of Congolese opposition parties.

9.   On Tuesday, two Congolese opposition party leaders and a former presidential aide were given prison sentences for politically related crimes.

10.   Rebel leader Jean-Pierre Bemba decided he would not attend the talks starting Sunday in South Africa because they would not be representative of the Congolese opposition.