• Main Menu

• Foreign Policy
• International Trade
• Travel Assistance
• Countries and Regions
• Culture, Education and Youth
• Ministers

NEWS RELEASES

December 18, 2002 (2:50 p.m. EST) No. 177

CANADA WELCOMES SIGNING OF ACCORD IN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham welcomed the signing of a political accord under the Inter-Congolese Dialogue as a decisive step toward peace in the Great Lakes region. The accord provides for the establishment of a transitional government and institutions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and will eventually pave the way for free and democratic elections in the country.

"I commend all parties to the Dialogue for bringing a very complex situation under control and putting the interests of the Congolese people first," said Minister Graham. "I would also like to recognize the exceptional cooperation and contribution of both partners mediating this accord, the South African authorities, particularly South African President and President of the African Union, Thabo M'beki, and the United Nations, by Moustapha Niasse, Special Representative of the Secretary-General."

Canada urges the parties to rigorously implement the accord in a spirit of openness and reconciliation. Moreover, Canada hopes that the focus soon will shift to the terrible conflicts that persist in the eastern part of the DRC, especially in Ituri, and that all necessary measures will be taken to quickly restore peace to that region. The political accord cannot succeed unless the entire population benefits, and unfortunately, many Congolese continue to suffer from the after-effects of war and human rights abuses.

Canada has steadfastly supported the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the peace process and will continue to assist the country during the transition phase, which is so critical for its future.

- 30 -

For further information, media representatives may contact: