Joan Burton, Minister State at Department Foreign Affairs, concern at deteriorating situation in South Kivu, Zaire
Ms Joan Burton, Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs,
expresses concern at the deteriorating situation in South Kivu, Zaire
Ms Joan Burton, TD, Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, today described the deteriorating security situation in South Kivu, Zaire, as "deeply disturbing".
The Minister said that the Irish Presidency and European Union were following the situation closely. "The European Union Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region, Mr Ajello, has been in Kinshasa and Kigali in recent days seeking to mediate between the two sides", the Minister said. "Mr Ajello has built up strong contacts with both sides. The Union, through Mr Ajello, is making clear to all parties that this matter can only be resolved through dialogue and negotiation", the Minister added. "At all costs, these difficulties must not be allowed to escalate into open conflict between Zaire and Rwanda". Mr Ajello will be continuing his contacts with both sides in the coming days.
The Minister said that the United Nations was also deeply worried about the situation and the Secretary General had sent his Special Representative, Ibrahima Fall, to the region to assist in efforts towards a peaceful resolution. Top
