Democratic Republic of the Congo.

• Position: Violations of human rights

On 13 July, the Security Council condemned the massacres, other atrocities and violations of international humanitarian law committed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and especially its eastern provinces, including crimes against humanity and other violations described in a 29 June report of the Secretary-General.

In a statement read out by Council President Sergey V. Lavrov of the Russian Federation, it recognized the necessity to investigate these further and prosecute those responsible, while deploring the delay in the administration of justice, and called on the Governments of the DRC and Rwanda to investigate immediately allegations contained in the report of the Secretary-General's Investigative Team, and to bring to justice anyone found to have been involved in those crimes.

Taking note of the stated willingness of the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to try any of its nationals implicated in the alleged massacres, the Council urged Member States to cooperate with the Governments of the DRC and Rwanda in the investigation and prosecution of those persons. It encouraged the Governments concerned to seek international assistance and invited them to consider the inclusion of international observers. The Governments were requested to report to the Secretory-General by 15 October on steps being taken to investigate those responsible.

The Council had considered the report of the Investigative Team set up to look into allegations of massacres and other violations of human rights which arose from the situation that prevailed in eastern Zaire since September 1996. However, as the Secretary-General noted, the period under investigation was extended back to 1 March 1993 to take into account concerns of the DRC Government. The Secretary-General expressed regret that the Team was not allowed to carry out its mission fully and without hindrance. Despite the difficulties encountered, he said the Team was able to reach a number of conclusions that were supported by strong evidence.

The report also stated that two of those conclusions stood out: that the parties to the violence in Zaire, and especially its eastern provinces, during the period under consideration had committed serious violations of human rights or international humanitarian law; and that the killings by the Alliance of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of the Congo (AFDL) and its allies, including elements of the Rwandan Patriotic Army...