For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
December 18, 2002
Statement by the President
Congolese Sign a Peace Agreement
I welcome the signing of the peace agreement that brings an end to
four years of civil war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I
appreciate the strong leadership and commitment of President Kabila to
form a transitional government in Congo. I further commend all parties
on their willingness to make the tough decisions to ensure a peaceful
and democratic future for the Congolese people.
This peace agreement offers the Congolese people a critical
opportunity to build lasting peace in a unified Congo. The United
States will continue to work with Congo's Government, the Congolese
Liberation Movement, and the Congolese Rally for Democracy and Civil
Society to move forward on implementing the agreement, which will
result in national elections.
I thank President Mbeki for his leadership and efforts on behalf of
peace in the Congo and throughout Africa. The United States looks
forward to working with the African Union and the United Nations to
help the Congolese people realize their dream for national
reconciliation and growing prosperity.
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