EMINENT PERSONS COMMITTEE URGES ALL TO CONTRIBUTE

UNCLAS KINSHASA 001601 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV KDEM CG ELECTIONS SUBJECT: EMINENT PERSONS COMMITTEE URGES ALL TO CONTRIBUTE TO DRC ELECTION STABILITY REF: KINSHASA 1536 ¶1. (U) The Eminent Persons Committee, chaired by former Mozambique president Joachim Chissano, issued a statement October 14 calling on all Congolese to contribute to the stability of the DRC's electoral process. The statement followed a series of meetings by the Committee with political officials in Kinshasa, including President Joseph Kabila and Vice President Jean-Pierre Bemba, the two candidates in the October 29 presidential runoff. ¶2. (U) The declaration called on all to remain resolved to ensure the restoration of peace in Congo. It recommended that all political actors share their visions for the future of the country and refrain from basing their campaigns on appeals to hatred, discrimination or violence. It again deplored the acts of violence that took place in Kinshasa July 27 and August 20-22 for their negative effects on the confidence of voters. It reiterated an earlier call for the military to be confined to its barracks, and reminded all that power cannot be obtained through violence. ¶3. (U) Chissano also met with the interim President of the newly-elected National Assembly during his brief visit to Kinshasa. He said he was satisfied with preparations for the October vote and expressed optimism for a successful outcome. He departed for Maputo October 15 and will return to the DRC October 25. MEECE