Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Secretary-General is dismayed and deeply concerned at the news of violent demonstrations against the United Nations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, today and yesterday. The Secretary-General spoke to President Kabila this morning and President Kabila assured him that both he personally and the Transitional Government fully support the United Nations in the DRC and, in particular, MONUC.

The Secretary-General strongly urges the military elements in Bukavu to respect the ceasefire. He calls on the DRC's neighbors to support the peace process and to use their influence to defuse the situation in the eastern DRC.

The Secretary-General is relieved that the United Nations and NGO personnel kidnapped this morning have been released. He calls on all parties and individuals to show respect for and ensure the safety of all United Nations and NGO personnel and to engage in a process of reconciliation.