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U.S. Department of State Office of the Spokesman Press Statement

Press Statement by James P. Rubin, Spokesman
March 26, 1999

The Congo

The United States Government is alarmed by continuing reports of serious human rights abuses in the Congo, including the recent report that over 250 civilians were killed in South Kivu between March 19 and 21.

We strongly condemn all attacks on civilian populations. We reiterate our call on all appropriate entities to investigate fully such reports, make public the findings and bring to justice all persons found guilty of abuses. We also urge them to allow independent investigations of reported atrocities.

We are also concerned about the growing number of detentions in Kinshasa. Many of the detentions appear to be motivated by the Congolese government's desire to inhibit the free exchange of ideas and run counter to its stated support for an inclusive dialogue.

We condemn all human rights violations, regardless of who commits them. We reiterate our call on all parties to the conflict to ensure the safety and human rights of all non-combatants, respect the Geneva Convention regarding prisoners of war, and hold accountable those responsible for abuses.

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