SECRETARY-GENERAL SHOCKED BY DEATH OF PRESIDENT KABILA

OF DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

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

I was shocked to learn of the death of President Laurent-Desiré Kabila of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  I extend my condolences to the family of the late President Kabila as well as to the Government and the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

I earnestly hope that the peace process in the Democratic Republic of the Congo will not be derailed by the sudden death of President Kabila and that the political and security situation in the country and the region would not be destabilized further.  I appeal to all the parties to work towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

I wish to reiterate the long-standing commitment of the United Nations to assist in the search for a lasting peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

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