Exchange of Views between Mr. Nobuhide Minorikawa, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Ministers of the Republic of Rwanda on the Situation in the Eastern Part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo

December 5, 2008
Japanese

On December 4, Mr. Nobuhide Minorikawa, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, visited the Republic of Rwanda and exchanged views with Dr. Charles Murigande, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister in charge of Cabinet Affairs (former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation). Prior to this, on November 30, Mr. Minorikawa also exchanged views with Mrs. Rosemary Museminari, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Republic of Rwanda, in Qatar. The outlines of these meetings are as follows.

Meeting with Dr. Murigande, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister in charge of Cabinet Affairs (in Rwanda, December 4)

(1) Making the following remarks, Mr. Minorikawa transmitted Japan’s concern about the situation in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo(DRC) and encouraged the Government of Rwanda to work towards a political solution.

(a) The Government of Japan is willing to play an active role for peace and security in Africa. Japan served as the chair country of the G8 this year, and will also become a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council next year. We strongly hope to contribute to the stabilization of the eastern DRC.

(b) It is said that there is a connection between Rwanda and the National Congress for the Defense of the People (CNDP) (which is one of the major anti-governmental forces in the DRC).

(c) It is important to implement the Goma Agreement and the Nairobi Communiqué, have direct talks with the DRC, cooperate in the mediation efforts by UN Special Envoy Olusegun Obasanjo, and properly manage natural resources.

(d) Japan can transmit messages to the Government of DRC. If necessary, we are pleased to play a role.

(2) Dr. Murigande in response stated:

(a) The situation in the eastern part of the DRC is a threat to the security of Rwanda. Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) of the rebel forces against the Rwandan government residing in the eastern part of the DRC are crucial.

(b) Rwanda has no connection with the CNDP.

(c) We agree on the importance of implementing the Goma Agreement and the Nairobi Communiqué. Their implementation within the DRC is especially important. We support the activity of H.E.Mr. Obasanjo; however, we believe it important for the Government of the DRC to deal firmly with the CNDP and the rebel forces against the Rwandan government in the eastern DRC.

(d) H.E.Mr. Paul Kagame, the President of Rwanda, has been cooperating with H.E.Mr. Joseph Kabila, the President of the DRC. Although the situation at present is regrettable, we will continue our cooperation with the DRC. We are ready to have direct talks with DRC.

(e) We will continue to share information and cooperate with Japan.

Meeting with Mrs. Rosemary Museminari, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Republic of Rwanda (in Qatar, November 30)

(1) Mrs. Museminari explained the situation in the eastern part of the DRC as follows:

(a) Rwanda does not wish to have instability in the region and hopes for a solution through dialogues; however, it is not easy to calm people’s feelings because of complicated ethnic distribution and borders. The problem should be solved within the DRC through dialogues.

(b) It is important to carry out the normalization of relations between Rwanda and the DRC upon which we already agreed.

(c) It is urgently needed for the DRC to rebuild the nation and restore the administration. We hope Mr. Minorikawa will request the DRC to implement the existing agreements.

(2) Mr. Minorikawa in response stated as follows:

The Government of Japan has recognized that peace and security in the Great Lakes region is an important issue which forms the foundation for peace and security in entire Africa. Therefore, Japan has provided as much assistance as possible to the region. We are deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in the eastern part of the DRC, and will encourage Rwanda and the DRC to work toward a solution of the conflict through dialogues.

(END)

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