Obama discusses crisis in Congo with Kagame

Topics: From the Wires,

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama is warning Rwandan President Paul Kagame (keh-GAH’-may) that any support for rebels is what he calls “inconsistent with Rwanda’s desire for stability and peace.” The U.S. president is pressing for an end of support to armed groups in Congo.

The White House says Obama spoke Tuesday with Kagame to discuss the security and humanitarian crises in eastern Congo, where the M23 rebel group is operating.

A recent U.N. report accuses the Rwandan government of backing the rebels, a charge that Kagame’s government has denied.

The White House says Obama stressed to Kagame the importance of “permanently ending all support to armed groups” in Congo and ending exemption from punishment for M23 commanders and others who have committed human rights abuses.

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Gripping photos: The people of the Turkey protests (slideshow)

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  • The protests take on a festive element as police forces move out of the park and square. Wearing a gas mask, this young man dances to traditional Turkish music in front of Taksim Square’s Ataturk Monument.

  • In Gezi Park since March 31st, this protester, originally caught off-guard by the Government’s teargas and water cannons, went out and bought a Russian army mask from WWII, preparing for what was to come.

  • This rambunctious boy seems to be enjoying the chaos. After taking this picture he threw a stone at the already destroyed building in the background.

  • Forming a line, the police face off directly with protesters in Taksim Square. After a while, they retreated and there was a general cheer – a back-and-forth dance that has been common since the beginning of this protest.

  • An elderly woman in Gezi Park reads the news. The tent community occupying the park was violently destroyed on June 16th.

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  • Many home-remedies are used to minimize the effects of tear gas. This woman has put a milky solution on her face, removing her mask after the tear gas dissipated. Before sunrise, the police came again for another round of teargasing.

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  • The authorities seem to be most aggressive in the night, pushing protesters away from the square and park. After being teargassed this young woman catches her breath with other protesters on Siraselviler Street.

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