Press Release

For Immediate Release

October 28, 2008


Statement by Sean McCormack, Spokesman
Humanitarian situation in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

The United States is deeply concerned by the worsening humanitarian situation in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).  The violence that has driven tens of thousands of civilians from their homes and placed their lives at risk is deplorable. The U.S. calls on all parties to the Goma Agreements and the Nairobi Communiqué to respect their commitments and renounce the use of arms. We call on the countries of the Great Lakes region to work together to enhance stability and respect each other’s sovereignty.

The U.S. calls on the National Congress for the Defense of the People (CNDP) and its leader, Laurent Nkunda, to resume discussions with the democratically elected and internationally recognized Congolese government, avoid further fighting, rescind its previous call for open revolt against the Congolese government, and return to its pre-August 28^th positions.  The U.S. also calls on the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) to lay down its arms, disband, and demobilize.

The U.S. reaffirms its support for the United Nations Mission in the Congo (MONUC), which has played a vital role in protecting civilian populations and ending violence.