WASHINGTON (July 11, 2000) -- Cardinal Bernard Law today echoed the call of Congolese bishops for a larger international peacekeeping force as part of international efforts to bring peace to Central Africa.

"It is critical that the U.S. government, working with others, continue to seek new, more effective ways to bring about a just political settlement that respects the territorial integrity of the Congo," Cardinal Law, the Archbishop of Boston, said in a statement released today.

The Catholic Bishops of the Democratic Republic of Congo recently issued an appeal for greater international assistance in settling the conflict there. Among the actions they urge are an immediate withdrawal of foreign troops from Congo and the deployment of a multinational force to provide security. In particular, they call for a larger force than currently planned, saying it will be necessary "if the goals of the Lusaka Accord are to be achieved and a genuine process of national dialogue and reconciliation is to begin."

"The call of the Congolese bishops for more concerted international action, particularly a more adequate peacekeeping force, deserves support," Cardinal Law said.

NOTE: Full text of Cardinal Law's statement.

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