SECRETARY-GENERAL EXTREMELY CONCERNED BY FURTHER SECURITY DETERIORATION

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 extremely concerned by the further deterioration in the security situation in North Kivu, and in particular developments in Rumangabo and in Goma and its impact on civilians.  He condemns the deliberate attacks on peacekeepers of United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) by forces of the Congrès National pour la Défense du Peuple (CNDP).  He denounces the continued hostilities between CNDP forces and those of the defence forces of the Democratic Republic, in violation of the ceasefire.

The Secretary-General urges the Government and provincial authorities to make every effort to restore calm among the affected populations and to work in close cooperation with MONUC.  He reaffirms that MONUC will take all necessary measures within its mandate to protect civilians and United Nations personnel and property.

Recent developments demonstrate without doubt the need for all parties to implement the Actes d’engagement and to disengage.  The Secretary-General calls on all parties to immediately cease hostilities and pursue in good faith in efforts to resolve peacefully the issues that have thus far hindered progress in the Nairobi and Goma processes.

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For information media • not an official record