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

Press Statement by James P. Rubin, Spokesman
April 1, 1999

Political Dialogue in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The United States government is encouraged by President Kabila’s call for a national debate on Congo’s political future.

We hope this initiative will foster a positive and genuinely open and transparent dialogue conducted in an atmosphere marked by freedom of speech and assembly. These are essential elements to develop a national consensus required for a democratic transition. It is important to bring together the principal internal actors in the Congo: the government, the major political parties, civil society from throughout the country, the rebels and the diaspora.

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