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

June 29, 2004

Japan reaffirms its concern about the threat against peace and the transitional process in the Democratic Republic of the Congo caused by a series of acts of violence recently committed and the ensuing instability, from the perspective that peace and reconstruction in the country is the key to the stability and development of the Great Lakes region. Japan condemns any actions that hinder peace and the transitional process.
Japan urges all the parties concerned, including the Transitional Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the neighboring countries, to continue efforts for the peaceful resolution of various issues through self-restraint and dialogue.
In this connection, the Government of Japan welcomes the talks held on June 25 between Congolese president Joseph Kabila and his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame in Abuja, Nigeria, seeking to rebuild bilateral trust. Japan also highly appreciates the efforts made by all who contributed to facilitating the summit, such as Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Japan intends to continue supporting the transitional government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in cooperation with the international community including the United Nations.

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