SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES RENEWAL BY GOVERNMENT OF DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

OF CEASEFIRE IN KIVU PROVINCES, ACCEPTANCE OF UNITED NATIONS DISENGAGEMENT PLAN

The following statement was issued on 19 September by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General has followed closely and with great concern the events unfolding in the North Kivu Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).  He entirely shares the views expressed in the press statement issued by the President of the Security Council on Friday, 12 September.

The Secretary-General welcomes the renewal by the Government of DRC of the ceasefire in North and South Kivu Provinces, and the Government’s acceptance of the Comprehensive Disengagement Plan put forward by the United Nations Organization Mission in DRC (MONUC).  He urges the Government to work closely with MONUC to ensure the timely implementation of the plan.

The Secretary-General also welcomes the commitment of the Congrès National pour la Défense du Peuple (CNDP), expressed in a letter to the Secretary-General’s Special Representative in DRC, to a ceasefire and the withdrawal of its forces to positions prior to the recent outbreak of fighting.  He also calls upon CNDP and all other armed groups to accept and urgently implement the Comprehensive Disengagement Plan without further delay.  The Secretary-General urges all parties to immediately resume constructive participation in the Amani process, and to respect their commitments under the Actes d’engagement.

MONUC will continue to act, in accordance with its mandate, to protect civilians and to support efforts towards the restoration of peace and security in DRC.

* *** *

For information media • not an official record