FACTBOX: Quotes on violence in eastern Congo
(Reuters) - Congolese rebel forces advanced on the eastern city of Goma Wednesday, threatening to overwhelm government troops and a 17,000-strong U.N. force deployed to halt a return to all-out war.
Here are some comments about the situation and the possible responses to the situation.
BAN KI-MOON, U.N. SECRETARY-GENERAL
"Now, first and foremost, this fighting must be stopped and I am deeply concerned about this civilian casualties as well as increasing number of internally displaced persons. U.N., through MONUC, are doing their best efforts to first of all, disengage these forces against each other.
"Unfortunately the situation in Goma is worrisome and there were even some attacks against the U.N. mission by civilian people. I am going to concentrate my remaining few days to first of all urge leaders to stop fighting, to reconcile between the leaders and between the two countries, DRC and Rwanda."
JULIETTE PRODHAN, HEAD OF OXFAM IN CONGO:
"The road to Goma town is a throng of men, women and children desperately searching for refuge in the town's crowded camps. Many people have been forced to sleep out in the open as they cannot find shelter. The numbers fleeing are staggering. People urgently need our help. And yet it doesn't look like the fighting is over, so the likelihood is that more people will be fleeing in the coming days."
ERNA VAN GOOR, HEAD OF MISSION FOR MEDECINS SANS FRONTIERES
IN NORTH KIVU
"The situation in Rutshuru is very fluid ... All the different actors say they are in control. Our staff continue to work in the hospital and we've been treating many gunshot wounds."
DOMINIC OOMMEN, BUSINESSMAN IN GOMA
"My colleagues and bosses have already left to Gisenyi. There is panic everywhere. People are really worried."
ROSEMARY MUSEMINALI, RWANDAN FOREIGN MINISTER
"Yes, there was an incursion at the border when Congolese forces of FARDC fired into Rwanda and immediately they did that Rwanda talks to the Congolese government and they withdrew. Rwanda did not go on hot pursuit into DR Congo.
"We are very concerned about the developments in DR Congo, specifically Goma city which is very near us, and whatever happens there affects us directly ... We are calling upon the Congolese Government and the U.N. to move very fast in containing this situation."
COLONEL JONAS PADIRI, CONGOLESE ARMY OFFICER
"Well, you can see for yourself that it's coming from the Rwandan side ... It started during the night and continued until just now. I have no orders to fire."
