Secretary-General deeply concerned by ongoing armed clashes

in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

 

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned by the ongoing armed clashes in North Kivu in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.  He calls on the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and all local stakeholders to persevere in their efforts to bring about a peaceful solution.  The Secretary-General is also very concerned by the impact of the fighting on local populations and calls on all parties to ensure the protection of the vulnerable.  He urges all stakeholders in the region to focus on resolving the underlying causes of the crisis through dialogue.

The Secretary-General welcomes the positive outcome of the meeting in Kinshasa held yesterday between the Foreign Ministers of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda.  He hopes both Governments will follow up rapidly on the understandings reached and that they will cooperate closely in addressing cross-border issues.

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For information media • not an official record