SECRETARY-GENERAL DISMAYED BY VIOLENT ANTI-UN DEMONSTRATIONS IN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

Secretary-General DISMAYED BY VIOLENT ANTI-UN DEMONSTRATIONS

IN Democratic Republic of Congo

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

The Secretary-General is dismayed and deeply concerned at the news of violent demonstrations against the

United Nations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), today and yesterday.  The Secretary-General spoke to President Kabila this morning and President Kabila assured him that both he personally and the Transitional Government fully support the United Nations in the DRC and, in particular, the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC). 

The Secretary-General strongly urges the military elements in Bukavu to respect the ceasefire.  He calls on the DRC’s neighbours to support the peace process and to use their influence to defuse the situation in the eastern DRC.

The Secretary-General is relieved that the United Nations and non-governmental organization personnel kidnapped this morning have been released.  He calls on all parties and individuals to show respect for and ensure the safety of all United Nations and non-governmental organization personnel and to engage in a process of reconciliation.

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