SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES PROGRESS IN TALKS ON ZAIRE, SAYS NEXT STEP MUST BE CEASE-FIRE AGREEMENT
Press Release
SG/SM/6199
SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES PROGRESS IN TALKS ON ZAIRE, SAYS NEXT STEP MUST BE CEASE-FIRE AGREEMENT
19970408 Following is the statement of Secretary-General Kofi Annan concerning the negotiations in South Africa on the future of Zaire, issued today in Geneva by the Spokesman travelling with the Secretary-General:I welcome the news out of South Africa today that the first direct talks on the future of Zaire established a positive working relationship between the parties, as well as the outline of a transition process to a peaceful and democratic Zaire.
The next step is to agree on a cease-fire. I urge the forces of the Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo/Zaire (ADFL) and those of the Government of Zaire to firm up their stated commitment to a total cessation of hostilities and I urge the nations of the region to support this effort.
I am encouraged that the parties reaffirmed their support for the United Nations/Organization of African Unity (OAU) peace plan and committed themselves to transparent, fair and inclusive elections to bring about democratic change in Zaire.
I hope that the political family of Zaire will now work together to build a peaceful future. If they do so, the world will applaud their courage, and the entire region would benefit.
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