SECRETARY-GENERAL CALLS FOR CEASEFIRE IN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, FOLLOWING OUTBREAK OF FIGHTING BETWEEN RWANDAN, UGANDAN TROOPS

Press Release
SG/SM/7435
AFR/240

SECRETARY-GENERAL CALLS FOR CEASEFIRE IN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, FOLLOWING OUTBREAK OF FIGHTING BETWEEN RWANDAN, UGANDAN TROOPS

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary- General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General is profoundly concerned at reports received from the United Nations Organization in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC) over the past 48 hours about the major outbreaks of fighting in Kisangani, Democratic Republic of the Congo, between Rwandan and Ugandan troops. Despite MONUC's repeated efforts to organize a ceasefire, the two sides have continued to exchange artillery, mortar and small-arms fire. Several United Nations workers in the city have sustained injuries.

Yesterday the Secretariat briefed the members of the Security Council on the situation there. The President of the Security Council then issued a statement to the press demanding and immediate cessation of hostilities, and reiterated his call on the parties to demilitarize the city in accordance with the agreement signed by the Rwandan and Ugandan armed forces on 21 May.

The Secretary-General deplores the loss of life and massive property damage caused by the two foreign forces and their supporters in Kisangani. He calls on the armed forces of those two Governments to ceasefire immediately and to withdraw from the city in accordance with their agreements. The United Nations is prepared to assist in these efforts.

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