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UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 21 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council on Wednesday called on all the political parties in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to "refrain from further violence or other provocations and to address their differences peacefully."
The 15-nation UN body made the appeal in a press statement after violent clashes between protestors and security forces took place in Kinshasa and several other locations in the DRC on Sept. 19-20.
The council members "called upon all political parties, their supporters, and other political actors to refrain from further violence or other provocations and to address their differences peacefully," the statement said. "They urged all parties to remain calm and called on the Congolese authorities to exercise maximum restraint in their response to protests."
"They further called on the authorities to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms, especially the right of peaceful assembly," the statement said.
"They also called on all concerned political leaders and their supporters to desist from undertaking any further acts that could continue to exacerbate the situation and heighten tensions."
The Security Council called on the DRC government "to hold accountable those responsible for violations and abuses of human rights," the statement said.
At least three people were killed on Tuesday amid escalating violence in the capital of the DRC. The headquarters of several opposition parties were torched in a riot that followed a mass demonstration staged by the opposition on Monday.
At least 17 people, including three policemen, were killed Monday in heavy clashes between protesters and police in Kinshasa.
The council members of the Security Council "expressed their deep concerns" about the new development in the country, said the statement.
"They strongly condemned the violence, which has already led to the death of at least 32 people, including four police officers in the capital. They expressed their regrets for the loss of lives and requested that those responsible be held accountable."
