Secretary-General welcomes humanitarian access in Democratic Republic of Congo

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

The Secretary-General welcomes the announcement on 18 November of a military pullback by the National Congress in Defence of the People (CNDP) and the opening of humanitarian corridors to allow unhindered access to people in need in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.  In this context, the Secretary-General appreciates the efforts exerted by his Special Envoy, Olusegun Obasanjo.

He calls on the parties to observe the cessation of hostilities and to guarantee safe passage of humanitarian assistance as they continue with the efforts to find a political solution to the crisis.

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For information media • not an official record