CAR president declares himself neutral

The president of the Central African Republic (CAR), Ange-Felix Patasse, has refused to come out in support of either President Laurent-Desire Kabila or rebel leader Jean-Pierre Bemba, Radio France Internationale reported. It noted that CAR had been accused of backing both sides in the DRC conflict, but when asked about this issue, Patasse told the radio that Kabila was his “brother” and Bemba his “son”. “One should distinguish between good neighbourliness and support for one side,” Patasse said.

“The reality is that there is a legitimate government led by my brother Laurent-Desire Kabila, while my son Bemba is stationed just opposite Bangui [in Gbadolite]. The situation demands that we try to find suitable solutions, encouraging the belligerents to go to the negotiating table to achieve peace.” Patasse stressed he was not taking sides in the conflict. “I am neither asking Bemba to convey weapons through the CAR, nor urging Kabila to come and launch attacks from here,” he said. He was speaking after discussing the DRC issue with visiting UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.