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KAGAME AND UN SRSG, BILL SWING (18/06/04) We have been following closely recent events in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in particular in the East. We are deeply concerned about the instability these events have created and, in particular, the threat to the transition process and the Transitional National Government. We condemn the deaths of innocent civilians and appalling human rights violations in Bukavu. In response to these events, we have spoken to President Kabila of DRC, President Kagame of Rwanda, the UN Secretary General and his Special Representative, Bill Swing, Head of the UN mission to DRC (MONUC) to: Express our support for the transition process in the DRC and for the Transitional National Government, which must continue to work together Reiterate our support to the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General Bill Swing and MONUC's efforts in the DRC and our condemnation of attacks on MONUC personnel and infrastructure. Encourage the Government of Rwanda to do what it can to enable a peaceful resolution to the current crisis and to co-operate with any UN investigation into allegations of Rwandan involvement. Underline that were any evidence of a Rwandan return to DRC or assistance to rebel elements to be found, this would be unacceptable to the international community. Encourage the Governments of DRC and Rwanda to act to calm the situation; and to work together and with MONUC. Underline the importance of tackling the underlying causes of regional tension, in particular making progress on army integration and demobilisation and reintegration of Congolese forces and demobilisation and repatriation of foreign armed groups We are continuing to watch events in the region closely and we will make further calls as necessary. Jack Straw MP, Foreign Secretary Hilary Benn MP, International Development Secretary Notes for Editors The UK has been closely involved in supporting the Great Lakes peace process and is a member of the International Support Committee, CIAT (created by the Global Accord), convened by SRSG Swing. The UK is committed to supporting regional peace and stability and post-conflict reconstruction and poverty reduction in the DRC. Since the installation of the Transitional National Government almost a year ago, we have been stepping up our engagement. The UK also supports the efforts of the UN to achieve the military and political stabilisation. We hold five key posts in MONUC, the UN mission in DRC, which has been making progress thanks to a strengthened presence and a more robust Chapter VII mandate. We are encouraging them to do more. The UK's bilateral aid programme in 2003/4 amounted to £20 million (in addition to our contributions of £70 million through the EU, UN and World Bank) to support the transition process and establish basic systems of governance for conflict prevention and poverty reduction. A programme of £34m is currently available for 2004/5. Key areas of UK focus are: humanitarian assistance, support to the transition institutions, demobilisation and reintegration of ex-combatants, reform of the army, police and justice sectors and support to the Poverty Reduction Strategy process. We are working closely with bilateral and multilateral partners in this. The UK's Department for International Development (DFID) has built up Development partnerships with a number of other countries in the region, notably Uganda and Rwanda. These partnerships are based primarily on the partner government's commitment to poverty alleviation Travel Advice: Democratic Republic of Congo Country Profile: Democratic Republic of Congo Back to current Press Releases |
