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MLC acting only to “protect civilians”, Bemba says

    NAIROBI

    Meanwhile, Bemba said he was unhappy with the way MONUC had handled alleged government ceasefire violations previously raised by the MLC. “I have reported to MONUC more than 100 ceasefire violations by the government since July last year, but not even once have they mentioned it or condemned the acts,” he told IRIN on Thursday. “But when my soldiers act in self-defence and to protect civilians, or when they set out to pursue the violators of the accords, MONUC is quick to condemn,” he said. “If government forces attack us, we have to defend ourselves,” Bemba stated, adding that the government had mounted troops along the Oubangui river on Wednesday.

    This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions

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