Minister Bernier Applauds Signing of Peace Agreement for Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

News Release

January 24, 2008
No. 19
The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following
statement after yesterday’s signing of the peace agreement between the Government
of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and armed groups in eastern DRC:
“Canada applauds the signing of the peace agreement reached at the Goma Peace
Conference in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Goma peace agreement
paves the way for greater stability in the eastern part of the country and in the entire
Great Lakes region of Africa. This agreement should help to alleviate the suffering of
those affected by one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, which has plagued the
region for too long. Canada remains committed to supporting efforts to bring lasting
peace to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and to helping those in need.
“This peace agreement represents an important step toward national reconciliation and
reconstruction. It will help to ensure favourable conditions for local elections planned for
2008. Canada’s support for the Goma peace agreement is fully in keeping with our
efforts to promote freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law in the
Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
Canada supports the Goma Peace Conference, and co-chairs the Group of Friends of
the Great Lakes Region, which provides political and diplomatic support to the
International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR). The ICGLR is an
important international forum that works at finding sustainable solutions to peace,
security, stability and development issues in the region, particularly in eastern DRC.
Canada contributes to ongoing efforts in the region aimed at finding viable national and
regional solutions to the enduring conflicts in eastern DRC. Canada has also
participated in the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in the DRC since its
establishment in 1999, and currently contributes 10 Canadian military officers to the
mission. In addition, Canada has provided over $50 million in humanitarian and longer-term development assistance in the DRC since April 2006.
For more information on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, please consult:
http://geo.international.gc.ca/cip-pic/geo/drc-en.aspx
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
www.international.gc.ca/index.aspx

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Minister Bernier Applauds Signing of Peace Agreement for Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

News Release

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