    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (1999, Book II)]
    [July 12, 1999]
    [Page 1189]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 1189]]

    Statement on the Congo Conflict Cease-Fire Agreement
    July 12, 1999

        I salute the leaders of Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo
    (DROC), Namibia, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zimbabwe for their courage and
    commitment to peace in agreeing to the terms for a cease-fire in the
    Congo war. The signing of this agreement in Lusaka on July 10 provides
    hope for the many innocent civilians who have suffered through one of
    Africa's most dangerous and divisive wars in modern times.
        Zambian President Chiluba also
    deserves special tribute for his role in mediating and facilitating the
    Lusaka peace talks and for his continuing efforts to urge rebel factions
    to support the cease-fire agreement. I urge all rebel groups to commit
    to peace and sign on to this important accord.
        We have worked with all parties to encourage the resolution of their
    differences through dialog and negotiations. We will work closely with
    our partners in Africa, the international community, and the United
    Nations to support this agreement. We hope that its full implementation,
    including the disarming of those responsible for the Rwandan genocide,
    will end the cycle of violence in the region, pave the way for an
    inclusive democracy in the DROC, and help bring a better life for all
    the people of central Africa.