BUNGANA, Eastern Congo — The president of Congo's M23 rebel group, Bishop Jean-Marie Runiga, says fighting may resume soon in eastern Congo if the government refuses to negotiate with the armed group.

Runiga announced that the rebels' military branch has been renamed the Congolese Revolutionary Army (Armée Révolutionaire Congolaise) and its leader, Colonel Makenga, promoted to general as a result of the growing number of troops under his command.

Runiga said the leaked U.N. group of experts report accusing Rwanda and Uganda of supporting the M23 is wrong. He deplored that the Kinshasa government is negotiating with the Rwandan government instead of the rebels.

The M23 is a rebel group created in May by ethnic Tutsis who deserted the Congolese army.