SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO-RWANDA AGREEMENT

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

The Secretary-General welcomes the renewed commitment of the Governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda to a mutually agreed settlement process, including a cessation of hostilities, aimed at making concrete progress towards peace in the region.  The Secretary-General also extends his appreciation to the Government of South Africa, and President Thabo Mbeki in particular, for their role in bringing the two Governments together.

The United Nations stands ready to support the implementation of the agreement and looks forward to discussing the practical modalities with the parties concerned.

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