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NEWS RELEASES

February 2, 2001 (7:40 p.m. EST) No. 14

KILGOUR MEETS WITH NEW PRESIDENT JOSEPH KABILA

Secretary of State (Latin America and Africa) David Kilgour today met with the new President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Joseph Kabila, in New York. The aim of the meeting was to reaffirm Canada's support for the peace process founded on the Lusaka Agreement and the pertinent UN Security Council resolutions, including Resolution 1304 which calls for the withdrawal of foreign troops.

"We are pleased that the transition took place in an atmosphere of calm," said Mr. Kilgour. "We offer the new President our support, while being mindful of the challenges he will face in restoring peace to his country."

Canada is prepared to work in tandem with the DRC to encourage the emergence of the Inter-Congolese Dialogue, which Canada supports financially through the facilitation office in Kinshasa. Canada will continue its co-operation with the DRC in a number of fields, including support for the Congolese population in the areas of health and food security, and support for the Central Bank of Congo.

The Government of Canada noted with great interest that, in his inaugural address, President Kabila stressed the importance of implementing the Lusaka Agreement and of restoring peace and democracy to his country.

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