SECRETARY-GENERAL DEPLORES RECENT PUBLIC ATTACKS AGAINST MISSION IN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

SECRETARY-GENERAL DEPLORES RECENT PUBLIC ATTACKS AGAINST MISSION

IN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

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

The Secretary-General strongly deplores the recent public attacks against the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC), in particular attempts by the Rally for Congolese Democracy (RCD-Goma) to “ban” his Special Representative in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Amos Namanga Ngongi, and the “expulsions” of several MONUC personnel from areas under its control, as well as the physical intimidation of MONUC personnel.  He trusts that the international community will remain fully supportive of the courageous United Nations staff operating in the country, in particular Mr. Ngongi, who enjoys his full confidence.  The RCD-Goma leadership should put an end to these unjustifiable attacks and realize that it is in its own interest, and indeed in that of the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to cease harassment of United Nations officials, cooperate fully in investigations of recent events in Kisangani, and help move the peace process forward.

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