PRESS STATEMENT ON DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO BY PRESIDENT OF SECURITY COUNCIL

PRESS STATEMENT ON DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

BY PRESIDENT OF SECURITY COUNCIL

Following is today’s press statement on the Democratic Republic of the Congo by Mikhail Wehbe (Syria), President of the Security Council:

Members of the Council strongly condemn the intimidation and harassment of the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) and its dedicated staff by the Ralliement Congolais pour la Democratie (RCD-Goma).

They declare the acts of violence against two MONUC staffers on 17 June unacceptable.  They expect RCD-Goma to investigate and take action against those responsible, and to make clear how it intends to prevent any such incident happening again.   They demand that RCD-Goma fully carry out its obligations to cooperate with MONUC and ensure the safety of all MONUC personnel.

Members of the Council reiterate their concern over the acts of violence in Kisangani last month and continuing abuses of human rights in areas under the authority of the RCD-Goma.

They reiterate that RCD-Goma must carry out its obligation under Security Council resolutions to demilitarize Kisangani.

Members of the Council stress to RCD-Goma that it must carry out all its obligations if the Council is to continue to treat it as a full partner in the peace process.

Members of the Council reiterate that Rwanda has a duty to ensure that RCD-Goma carries out its obligations under Security Council resolutions.

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