Press Statement Richard Boucher, Spokesman Washington, DC March 15, 2001
Democratic Republic of the Congo: Disengagement of Forces Today, March 15, marks the beginning of the disengagement of forces agreed to by the Lusaka signatories. The United States urges all parties to the Lusaka Agreement to commence immediately the withdrawal of their forces to the agreed-upon positions and to complete the process within 14 days, as specified in the disengagement plan.
We note that Uganda and Rwanda have already begun this process. We urge these parties to complete the withdrawal of their own forces and to use their influence over the Congolese rebel factions to ensure those forces also withdraw according to the disengagement plan.
The United States calls upon all parties to refrain from offensive military operations. Disputes between the parties should be settled through the institutions established by the Lusaka Agreement and not through the use of force.
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Released on March 15, 2001
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