VOA常速英语:为刚果寻找出路

The United States is committed to helping the Democratic Republic of the Congo find a peaceful way forward after President Joseph Kabila’s second term in office ends on December 19. On October 18, the government concluded an agreement with several opposition groups,facilitated by the African Union (AU) that calls for elections in April of 2018.
美国致力于帮助刚果民主共和国找到一条和平发展道路,时间是在约瑟夫·卡比拉总统第二任期于12月19日结束后。10月18日，政府与几个反对派团体达成了一项协定，由非洲联盟 （AU）呼吁在2018年4月举行选举。

The October 18 agreement was a step in the right direction, but its timeline for holding elections fails to meet the legitimate aspirations of the people of the DRC.In addition, important parts of the opposition did not take part in the discussions that led to the agreement.
10月18日的协议朝正确发展方向迈出了一步，但其举行选举的时间表不能满足刚果人民的正当诉求。此外，反对派的重要成员没有参与关于这项协议的讨论。

The highly-respected DRC’s Conference of Catholic Bishops, or CENCO,is leading further discussions in pursuit of a more inclusive and strengthened agreement on the electoral calendar and transfer of power. The United States strongly supports CENCO in this role, given its credibility and neutrality, and believes its efforts provide the best chance of reaching a consensus agreement and guaranteeing the holding of elections.
备受推崇的刚果天主教主教会议，也叫做CENCO，正在引导进一步的讨论，以寻求更包容更完善的协议，包括选举日历和权力转移等内容。鉴于其公信力和中立性，美国坚决支持CENCO发挥这一作用，并认为其努力提供了绝佳机会，以达成一致协议，保证选举进行。

“Supporting CENCO’s efforts is our top priority,” said U.S. Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region of Africa Tom Perriello recently.“I believe there is still a window for the Bishops to succeed.” U.S. government officials are in near constant contact with stakeholders, including within the DRC government and the opposition, pressing them to work with CENCO in good faith and to prioritize consensus over individual or party gain.
“支持CENCO的努力是我们的首要任务，”美国非洲大湖区特使托马斯·佩里奥近日表示，“我相信主教肯定能找到突破口。”美国政府官员与利益相关者保持密切联系，包括在刚果民主共和国政府和反对派，迫使他们诚心诚意地与CENCO合作，并达成高于个人或政党利益的共识。

The U.S. strongly believes that the key elements in an agreement likely to attract consensus include an electoral timeline that calls for presidential elections in 2017;a guarantee that the Constitution will not be amended and that President will Kabila not seek a third term;and electoral safeguards to ensure a free and fair election,including impartial electoral commission leadership.
美国坚决认为，一项能达成共识的协议的关键要素包括2017年举行总统选举的选举时间表; 保证宪法不会被修改，并且卡比拉总统不会第三次连任;以及确保自由和公平选举的保障措施，包括公正的选举委员会领导。

The United States will continue to support efforts to advance democracy, stability, and prosperity for the people of the DRC.
美国将继续支持促进刚果为民主，稳定和繁荣做出的努力。