    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book II)]
    [December 18, 2002]
    [Page 2203]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Peace Agreement in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
    December 18, 2002

        I welcome the signing of the peace agreement that brings an end to 4
    years of civil war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I appreciate
    the strong leadership and commitment of President Kabila to form a transitional government in Congo. I further
    commend all parties on their willingness to make the tough decisions to
    ensure a peaceful and democratic future for the Congolese people.
        This peace agreement offers the Congolese people a critical
    opportunity to build lasting peace in a unified Congo. The United States
    will continue to work with Congo's Government, the Congolese Liberation
    Movement, and the Congolese Rally for Democracy and Civil Society to
    move forward on implementing the agreement, which will result in
    national elections.
        I thank President Mbeki for his leadership
    and efforts on behalf of peace in the Congo and throughout Africa. The
    United States looks forward to working with the African Union and the
    United Nations to help the Congolese people realize their dream for
    national reconciliation and growing prosperity.

    Note: The statement referred to President Joseph Kabila of the
    Democratic Republic of the Congo and President Thabo Mbeki of South
    Africa.