PRESS STATEMENT ON DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO BY SECURITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT

Following is today’s statement to the press by Security Council President Alfonso Valdivieso (Colombia):

The members of the Security Council:

Welcome the signing of a comprehensive, inclusive agreement on the political transition in the Democratic Republic of the Congo that should lead to the holding of general elections in the country when the transition period ends two years from now and that will make it possible to begin the country’s reconstruction and recovery on a basis of consensus;

Pay tribute to the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, Mr. Niasse, to Sir Ketumile Masire, facilitator of the Intercongolese Dialogue, and to the Government of the Republic of South Africa and to the personal commitment of President Mbeki, whose tireless efforts have helped bring about the conclusion of this agreement among the Congolese parties;

Call upon the Congolese parties to ratify this agreement as soon as possible within the framework of the Inter-Congolese Dialogue, to implement it fully and, inter alia, to settle in Kinshasa as soon as possible, and to work in a spirit of full cooperation and for the general interest of the Congolese nation.

Call upon the countries of the region to support the implementation of this agreement.

* *** *