DATE=8/17/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=CONGO - UN L-O
NUMBER=2-252885
BYLINE=BARBARA SCHOETZAU
DATELINE=NEW YORK
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of
the Congo to the United Nations, Andre Kapanga, says
the Security Council's response to the outbreak of
fighting between Rwandan and Ugandan troops has been
timid and even encourages aggression. Correspondent
Barbara Schoetzau reports.
TEXT: The U-N Security Council issued a statement
expressing concern about the crisis in Congo and urged
all parties to implement a ceasefire announced earlier
in the day by the leaders of Rwanda and Uganda.
But Congo Ambassador Kapanga says the Security Council
should have condemned the fighting and taken strong
steps to intervene as it has done in Kosovo.
Troops from Rwanda and Uganda are backing separate
rebel groups trying to overthrow Congo President
Laurent Kabila.
Mr. Kapanga says last year Rwanda and Uganda justified
their invasion of Congo by saying it was for security
reasons. Recent actions, he says, have shown the real
motive is Congo's natural resources, including timber
and diamonds.
//// Kapanga Act ////
Here again we have a clear cut case of foreign
forces fighting one and another on our soil.
That is, the two aggressor countries are now
engaged in a serious confrontation for control
of the city of Kisangani that is known to be the
mining center in the northeastern part of the D-
R-C.
//// End Act ///
Ambassador Kapanga says the Security Council could
help end the crisis in his country by exerting
pressure on its members. He says Rwanda and Uganda
have backing from powerful countries that provide
financial assistance and arms to the two countries.
But he refused to specify the countries involved.
(Signed)
NEB/BJS/BA/TVM/JO
17-Aug-1999 18:00 PM EDT (17-Aug-1999 2200 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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