Statement by the Press Secretary/Director-General for Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the Establishment of the Transitional Government in the Democratic Republic of Congo

July 18, 2003

Japan welcomes the establishment of a transitional government of the Democratic Republic of Congo on July 17 (local time) in Kinshasa with the swearing-in ceremony of four vice-presidents, attended by representatives of the government and antigovernmental groups.
Consolidation of peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo holds significance for peace and stability in the Great Lakes Region and eventually the whole of Africa. Japan strongly hopes that all the parties constituting this administration will continue to make sincere efforts for consolidation of peace and national reconstruction for the people in the country.
Japan has contributed to the promotion of human security in the Democratic Republic of Congo by extending support for conflict-afflicted people and also emergency humanitarian assistance for refugees and displaced persons. Japan intends to support further efforts of the transitional government toward consolidation of peace as well as promotion of human security in the country.

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