For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
August 2, 2002

Statement by the Press Secretary
Democratic Republic of the Congo Peace Agreement

President Bush welcomes the agreement signed by Congolese President Joseph Kabila and Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Pretoria, South Africa, on July 30. The Pretoria Accord is an important step in efforts to bring an end to four years of war in the Congo. President Bush supports and appreciates the key roles played by South African President Thabo Mbeki, United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, and their capable teams in achieving this agreement.

The United States will work with the signatories, other international partners, and with all the parties to the conflict to support implementation of the agreement to help bring about a lasting peace in the Congo.

# # #