Restoring state authorities in the liberated areas in east Democratic Republic of the Congo ( DRC) is now the main priority, a UN spokesperson said Friday, quoting a UN envoy who just wrapped up a visit to the country.

Martin Kobler, Special Representative of the Secretary General in the DRC, traveled by helicopter to Tchengerero and Tchanzu, areas formerly under the control of the March 23 Movement (M23) and now by the government forces, during his two-day visit to eastern DRC, Fahran Haq said at a regular briefing here.

Kobler saw large quantities of ammunition and heavy weapons left behind by the M23, including artillery that was used to target the civilian population in Bunagana and believed that restitution of the state authorities in the liberated areas is now the main priority, Haq said.

The envoy also confirmed that a needs assessment mission, including representatives of UN peacekeeping mission, the government and donors, is underway.

The UN mission will continue to neutralize other armed groups, in particular the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, and is also engaged in border surveillance, Kobler was quoted as saying.

M23 rebels on Tuesday declared an end to the rebellion it launched since April 2012 in the DRC, saying that its commanders were being advised to lay down arms in light of an agreement to be reached with the government.