Statement on the United Nations Security Council Mission to the Great Lakes Region

Deputy President Jacob Zuma will meet with the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Mission on the Great Lakes under the leadership of the French Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador JD Levitte, on Monday 29th April 2002 in Pretoria.

The delegation, visiting the region from the 27th April to the 7th May 2002, will also consist of representatives from Bulgaria, Cameroon, China, Colombia, Guinea, Ireland, Mauritius, Mexico, Norway, the Russian Federation, Singapore, Syria, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The mission aims to give new impetus to the DRC peace process and support the efforts of MONUC by meeting with the Political Committee established by the Lusaka Cease-fire Agreement. Parties will be encouraged to implement their commitments and fulfill their obligations as set out in this Agreement and the resolutions of the Security Council. The mission is expected to call on all parties to accelerate their efforts to remove any obstacle in the peace process towards a viable political solution.

Regarding Burundi, the mission is further expected to express the support of the Security Council for the transitional government and the peace process in general. The mission will support the facilitation and, in close co-operation with it, urge the rebel groups to cease hostilities immediately and to enter into negotiations to ensure the success of the peace process.

The mission will also address this question with the neighbours of Burundi, in particular the DRC and Tanzania, whose efforts in support of the peace process and the Facilitation are appreciated by the Security Council.

For further information contact Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853.
Issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001
26 April 2002