STATEMENTS TO THE PRESS
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL

8 JUNE 2000
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) - The situation between Eritrea and Ethiopia

Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

The members of the Security Council welcome the ceasefire in Kisangani (DRC) agreed between Uganda and Rwanda, with the assistance of the Secretary-General and Ambassador Holbrooke.

They strongly urge Uganda, Rwanda, and forces allied to them to implement this agreement without delay and in good faith, to withdraw from Kisangani and to respect the demilitarization of the city.

They deplore the loss of life and the damage inflicted by the forces of Uganda and Rwanda on the Congolese population, in violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC.

The situation between Eritrea and Ethiopia

Members of the Security Council heard a briefing by USG Mr. Prendergast on the latest development in the situation between Eritrea and Ethiopia.

Members of the Security Council took note of the statements made by the two countries in which they pronounced themselves in favour of peace.

Members of the Security Council deplored the continuation of fighting, in particular near the port of Assab.

Members of the Security Council called on the parties immediately to cease hostilities and concentrate on diplomatic efforts on resolving their conflict in the framework of proximity talks in Algiers

Members of the Security Council renewed their strong and continuous support for the efforts made by OAU in finding a peaceful solution of the conflict. They called the two parties to cooperate fully for an early and positive conclusion of the proximity talks in Algiers.

Members of the Security Council expressed their deep concern about the humanitarian situation of the civilian population affected by the conflict. They strongly called upon the parties to respect humanitarian law, not to target civilian property and infrastructure and to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance.

Members of the Security Council called on Member States to respond to the emergency appeal for the drought in the Horn of Africa.

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Members of the Council have agreed to the appointment of Ambassador Hasmy of Malaysia as Chairman of the Sanctions Committee established pursuant to Resolution 1298 on Ethiopia and Eritrea (arms embargo).

Ambassador Hasmy relinquishes its chairmanship of the Sanctions Committee on Rwanda (arms embargo on non-govermental forces ) to Ambassador Ouane of Mali.