International Steering Group agrees that Zaire multinational force no longer needed

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien announced today that as a result of a broad consensus at a meeting of the Steering Group of partner countries in New York, Canada has informed the United Nations that it believes that a military mission is no longer the most appropriate means to address the humanitarian situation in eastern Zaire.

At the meeting of the Steering Group, the force commander, Lieutenant General Maurice Baril, presented his first-hand assessment of the situation on the ground. His report concludes that the mission for which the multinational force was deployed has, in large part, been accomplished.

Those attending the meeting agreed that the remaining problems in eastern Zaire and Rwanda can best be addressed through a coordinated international effort under civilian leadership. The focus needs to be on providing support to the humanitarian agencies and on addressing the political problems that are at the root of this crisis. Consequently, as a result of the meeting, Canada will withdraw its command and Canadian elements of the military force by December 31st, 1996.

"Canadians can be proud of the leadership role we have played in this crisis and the manner in which the multinational force has served as a catalyst which helped break the impasse which kept hundreds of thousands of refugees in camps for over two years," said the Prime Minister. "I want to thank General Baril, the Canadian Forces and those of our partner nations whose response to the humanitarian crisis has been so timely and professional."

The UN special envoy to the region, Ambassador Raymond Chrétien, has submitted his report to the UN which deals with the long-term political problems of the region. Efforts are also underway to assist Rwanda and the agencies to cope with the influx of refugees into that country, including a successful aid donors meeting held today in Kigali and chaired by Canada.

"Much remains to be done," said the Prime Minister, "and Canada is willing to assist in that ongoing effort."