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<title>STATEMENT BY FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER JOHN MANLEY ON THE SITUATION IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO</title>
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<p><font size="+1"><strong></strong></font><font size="+1"><strong>January 24, 2001 (<em>10:10 a.m. EST</em>) No. 12</strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font size="+1"><strong>STATEMENT BY FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER JOHN MANLEY ON THE
SITUATION IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO</strong></font></p>
<p>John Manley, Minister of Foreign Affairs, issued a statement today deploring the death of Laurent-Désiré
Kabila, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, following an attack that took place on January 16,
2001.</p>
<p>"This act of violence and the death of President Kabila threaten to further complicate the search for
peaceful solutions to the tragic conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo," said Minister Manley.</p>
<p>In Canada's view, it is more necessary than ever that the search continue for a negotiated settlement to the
conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), founded on the Lusaka Agreement and the
appropriate resolutions of the United Nations Security Council. Canada reiterates its support for the DRC's
territorial integrity and the withdrawal of foreign troops, in conformity with Resolution 1304 of the
Security Council. Canada encourages the parties present in the DRC to show restraint and to honour the
commitments they have made among themselves and to the international community.</p>
<p>Canada repeats its calls for an inter-Congolese political dialogue leading to the establishment of democratic
institutions, and urges all Congolese parties to work toward national reconciliation and democratization.</p>
<p>Canada calls on the authorities of the Democratic Republic of Congo to respect the rule of law and to
guarantee the safety of all civilians on its territory.</p>
<p align="CENTER">- 30 -</p>
<p>For further information, media representatives may contact:</p>
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<p>Jennifer Sloan</p>
<p>Director of Communications</p>
<p>Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs</p>
<p>(613) 995-1851</p>
<p>Media Relations Office</p>
<p>Department of Foreign Affairs and International
Trade</p>
<p>(613) 995-1874</p>
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