SECRETARY-GENERAL DEEPLY CONCERNED BY PERSISTENT INSTABILITY IN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO; CALLS ON ALL PARTIES TO UPHOLD TRANSITIONAL PROCESS

SECRETARY-GENERAL deeply concerned by persistent instability in Democratic

Republic of Congo; calls on all parties to uphold transitional process

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

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned by the serious tension and persistent instability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo which puts the peace process at risk.  He calls on all parties concerned to abide by the terms of the Global All-Inclusive Agreement, and to uphold the transitional process.  The Secretary-General urges all components in the Transitional Government to address the crisis in Bukavu and all other issues in a consensual manner and reaffirms the United Nations’ availability to assist in this regard.

The Secretary-General is also concerned about the continuing reports of movements of refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Burundi, and urges all sides to respect international humanitarian law.

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