post office in the same year. Nkunda demanded these grants be reviewed, he said, "so that the Democratic Republic of Congo's mineral resources are not hypothecated and so that we can have a bright future." Rwandan troops were reported to have been active in the conflict. Zimbabwean troops were reportedly drawn into the conflict, supporting the government side at their request. Reactions Government In response to allegations that Angola was involved in the war, the government of Angola denied, though they stated that they would support the government of DRC if called upon. However, according to UN officials, Angolan troops were in fact involved. Belgian foreign minister Karel De Gucht said the EU had "a moral responsibility". German foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said that "There remain doubts among many member states whether a few 100 European soldiers will make a significant difference militarily", referring to the UN request of a European Union "bridging force" in the conflict. Rwanda supported Congolese rebel groups, according to the United Nations Security Council, though Rwanda itself denied this. The Dutch canceled a planned $9.32 million (USD) transfer to the Rwandan government, citing Rwanda's ties to Congolese militants. However, they announced they would continue to send humanitarian support to Rwandan citizens. Swedish foreign minister Carl Bildt commented on the EU bridging force issue, stating that he did not expect a decision until 2009. The United States Department of State pushed for cooperation between Congo and the neighbouring countries of Rwanda and Uganda, stating that they "need to work together" to rein in "militia groups and other negative forces." Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Jendayi Frazer is scheduled to visit the region and urge talks. The Financial Times called on the United States and the UK to use their leverage over the Rwandan government to prevent a larger conflict. The Ugandan army expelled 35 Congolese policemen who had entered Ugandan territory with their weapons. United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon asked all involved parties "to make every effort to restore calm among the affected populations", due to concerns that the clash may spark widespread conflict. The UN declared the conflict "a humanitarian crisis of catastrophic dimensions". The World Food Program stated that due to the displacement of approximately 200,000 in the region since August, malnourishment has risen and there were some cases of death due to starvation. According to a spokesman, the agency was short