Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Wednesday, July 31, 2002
US Welcomes Rwanda, Congo Peace Pact
The United States on Tuesday welcomed a peace pact signed by Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), describing it as an "important step forward" in resolving the long-standing conflict in the DRC.
The United States on Tuesday welcomed a peace pact signed by Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), describing it as an "important step forward" in resolving the long-standing conflict in the DRC.
"We welcome the agreement that was signed today by Congolese President Joseph Kabila and Rwandan President Paul Kagame," State Department spokesman Philip Reeker said at a news briefing.
Kabila and Kagame signed the peace agreement in Pretoria, SouthAfrica, in the presence of South African President Thabo Mbeki.
The peace deal provides for an immediate cease-fire in the Congolese conflict, followed by the disarmament of Hutu Rebels based in the east of the DRC within 90 days.
Rwanda will also disengage itself from the conflict by withdrawing some 20,000 troops from DRC within the same time frame.