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Compiled by the Government Communication and Information System Date: 04 Nov 2008 Title: DRC urgently needs humanitarian aid - SA -------------------- By Luyanda Makapela Pretoria - Foreign Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has highlighted an urgent need for humanitarian assistance in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). "Currently, thousands of people are now homeless in the DRC. There's a need for food and medical assistance ... the humanitarian situation urgently requires our attention while political discussions are continuing," said Minister Dlamini Zuma on Monday. Minister Dlamini Zuma was addressing a joint press briefing which included Luxembourg's Deputy Prime Minister Grand Duchy and Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn at the Union Buildings on Thursday. She said there was a need to convince both the Presidents of the DRC and Rwanda to stop the conflict between the two countries. South African President Kgalema Motlanthe has been in talks with both Presidents (Joseph Kabila of DRC and Paul Kagame of Rwanda) and the two have already started to engage in dialogue. "We think that it is a good sign that the two are talking to each other while the SADC Organ (on Politics Defence and Security Co-operation) will meet to see what can be done with regards to the situation in the DRC," she said. Responding to a question regarding the persuasion of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to upgrade the mandate of the UN Mission in the DRC (MONUC) to a Chapter VIII mandate, Minister Asselborn said the DRC problem could not be solved purely through resolutions of the UNSC. "MONUC is a very important factor in the DRC but I think that we now have to, above all, convince the two Presidents of DRC and Rwanda (Joseph Kabila and Paul Kagame) to come together and discuss further," said Minister Asselborn. With regards to the Zimbabwe issue, Minister Asselborn said although the situation in the country was difficult, South Africa and SADC had the potential to assist in that country. "I believe that everything that can be done and is being done by South Africa and SADC is good ... I hope that former President Thabo Mbeki, who continues to be a mediator, has the energy and can put pressure on both sides to accept the deal," he said. Minister Asselborn said he hoped it was possible to find a solution as the European Union (EU) often discussed the issue constantly. He, however, highlighted a great concern over the humanitarian situation in that country. "I think the problem facing the people of Zimbabwe who have to live in very dire conditions is very vital now and I hope that SADC will proceed to a positive outcome," said Minister Asselborn. The Zimbabwe issue is set to be discussed at a full SADC Summit this weekend. - BuaNews |
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