PRESS STATEMENT BY SECURITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT

ON BUNIA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

The following statement was issued today by the president of the Security Council on the situation in Bunia, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC):

Members of the Council condemn the fighting and massacres in Bunia and call for an immediate end to this violence and that those responsible be brought to justice.

Members of the Council commend the United Nations Organization Mission in the Congo (MONUC) for its actions in the region and its efforts to stabilize the situations.

Members of the Council encourage Uganda, until its forces are entirely withdrawn from DRC territory, to continue to meet its obligations impartially, in accordance with the Protocol to the Geneva Convention and the Protection of Civilians in Warfare, in the territories where its forces are present.

Members of the Council urge the international community to provide humanitarian assistance to the Bunia area.

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