KINSHASA, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- United Nations' mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has given a one-week ultimatum to Peter Karim, head of the rebel National Integration Front (FNI)to carry out his commitment of integrating his militia into the country's armed forces.

    Christian Houdet, chief of the mission gave the final ultimatumin Bunia, a country town in the district of Ituri, east of DRC, local press reported on Tuesday.

    If Karim and his militia are integrated into the national army, he will undertake an operation named "Ituri, a district free of arms," putting thus an end to the numerous abuses perpetrated by militia who have flooded the district, said Houdet.

    There has been fighting in Ituri between FNI elements and the national army since last December.

    One week ago, Karim was named colonel in the army after having agreed to integrate his fighters into the national armed forces.