SECRETARY-GENERAL EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER MILITARIZATION OF MAIN REFUGEE ENCAMPMENT IN EASTERN ZAIRE
Press Release
SG/SM/6158
SECRETARY-GENERAL EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER MILITARIZATION OF MAIN REFUGEE ENCAMPMENT IN EASTERN ZAIRE
19970214 The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretrary-General Kofi Annan:The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about recent developments in eastern Zaire, and in particular about reports of the militarization of the main refugee encampment near Tingi-Tingi, which now hosts an estimated 150,000 refugees in makeshift camps, including several thousand unaccompanied minors. This situation puts at risk the lives of innocent refugees and humanitarian workers in the area.
According to reliable reports, former Rwandan soldiers and militia in the settlement are receiving weapons, ammunition and uniforms by air and are being sent to the front line. Military elements are being deployed in positions near the camps, and sections of the encampment are being used as storage facilities for arms and ammunition. Young male refugees are being actively recruited.
The Secretary-General conveyed his concern this afternoon to the President of the Security Council, as well as to its five permanent members.
He appeals to the parties to stop turning the refugee camp into an armed base and to ensure the safety and security of all refugees and humanitarian personnel. He hopes that leaders in the region will prevail on the protagonists to the conflict to accept a cease-fire and allow time for negotiations to resume.
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