SECRETARY-GENERAL EXPRESSES CONCERN ABOUT FIGHTING IN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO,

CALLS ON GOVERNMENT TO TAKE ALL MEASURES NECESSARY TO PROTECT CIVILIANS

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

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the intense fighting in North Kivu in recent days, which has caused further suffering of the civilian population.  He is particularly troubled by reports of massive displacement and mistreatment of the population.

The United Nations, through the action of the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC), supports the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in its efforts to establish legitimate State authority in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, and to meet its commitments under the Nairobi Communiqué.  The Secretary-General calls on the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to take all measures necessary to protect civilians.

The United Nations is working closely with the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and with others to help bring peace, security and stability to this troubled region.  The Secretary-General calls on the forces of Laurent Nkunda to lay down their arms.

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For information media • not an official record