In progress at UNHQ

SG/SM/6093

SECRETARY-GENERAL AND PRESIDENT OF CAMEROON DISCUSS TENSION IN EASTERN ZAIRE

24 October 1996


Press Release
SG/SM/6093


SECRETARY-GENERAL AND PRESIDENT OF CAMEROON DISCUSS TENSION IN EASTERN ZAIRE

19961024 The following was issued today by the Spokeswoman for Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali:

On 23 October, the Secretary-General met with President Paul Biya of Cameroon in the latter's capacity as current Chairman of the Organization of African Unity.

Among other issues, they discussed the current tension in eastern Zaire between the Banyamulenge and Zairian forces. Noting with grave concern that the tension was further damaging relations among neighbouring countries and had therefore a very negative impact on the stability of the whole region, they both called upon all the parties involved and the regional leaders to take all the necessary measures in order to bring an end to the violence.

The encouraged the authorities of the region to resume the dialogue and to strive for a lasting and peaceful solution in order to ensure the stability of that area of strategic importance for the African continent as a whole.

President Biya and the Secretary-General declared their readiness to assist all the parties concerned in achieving peace and security, including the convening of a conference for peace, security and development in the Great Lakes region of Africa.

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For information media. Not an official record.