INSTANT VIEW-Rwandan troops hunt Hutu rebels in Congo

Jan 20 (Reuters) - Rwandan troops crossed into eastern Congo on Tuesday in a joint military operation by the Great Lakes neighbours to disarm Rwandan Hutu rebels seen as a root cause of more than a decade of conflict. [nLK379050]

Following are comments from analysts, diplomats and officials:



JASON STEARNS, INDEPENDENT CONGO ANALYST

"This marks a major turning point in Kinshasa's attitude towards the conflict in the east. It appears (President Joseph) Kabila's government has decided to turn on what has been an ally, the FDLR."

"This marks a serious change in Rwanda's policy as well. For the first time since 2002, Rwandan troops are on Congolese soil."

"They will now be working together against the FDLR, while the CNDP (Tutsi rebel group), which in the past has received support from Rwanda, will now join ranks with the Congolese army.

"This strategy hinges on the success of the military operations against the FDLR. These kinds of counter-insurgency operations are very difficult and always carry with them the risk of serious harm to the civilian population."

"The other risk is that these operations could be protracted and Kinshasa has already gone out on a limb inviting back in what has been traditionally perceived as its biggest enemy