DATE=12/22/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-N-CONGO (L ONLY)
NUMBER=2-257411
BYLINE=BRECK ARDERY
DATELINE=UNITED NATIONS
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The United Nations Security Council in a
statement by its President today (Wednesday) expressed
concern over cease-fire violations in Congo-Kinshasa.
VOA Correspondent Breck Ardery reports from the United
Nations.
TEXT: Members of the Security Council received a
closed-door briefing on the situation in Congo from a
representative of U-N Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
They heard reports of cease-fire violations and a
potentially volatile situation in the South Kivu area
of Congo. U-N officials fear there could be armed
attacks against the civilian population there,
especially those of Tutsi origin.
Jeremy Greenstock, the British Ambassador and this
month's President of the Security Council, read a
statement to reporters urging an end to the fighting,
which violates the cease-fire agreement reached
several months ago in Lusaka, Zambia.
Mr. Greenstock said the Security Council is willing to
work with all sides in the Congo conflict to bring
about peace and stability. However, Mr. Greenstock
said observance of the Lusaka cease-fire is vital if
the Security Council is to authorize a peacekeeping
mission for Congo.
///GREENSTOCK ACT///
In order to play its role in a peacekeeping
operation in support of the Lusaka agreement,
the United Nations must be confident that the
parties themselves are determined to respect the
cease-fire and to refrain from hostile acts and
propaganda.
///END ACT///
There is growing pressure on the Security Council to
authorize a full-scale U-N peacekeeping operation in
Congo where a multi-sided conflict has pitted the
government of President Laurent Kabila against rebel
groups and governments that support the rebels.
Although there appears to be a consensus on the
Council that peacekeepers are needed, several members,
including Britain and the United States, have said a
peacekeeping mission must be well-planned and should
not be attempted until the cease-fire is
respected.(Signed)
NEB/UN/BA/LSF/PT
22-Dec-1999 17:01 PM EDT (22-Dec-1999 2201 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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