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Washington, Nov 24 -

House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement on escalating violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC):

"I condemn the ongoing violence in Eastern Congo and the March 23 Movement (M23) takeover of Goma.  M23 rebels are responsible for war crimes, and countless attacks against innocent women and children.  Their actions in Goma and continued ambition to seize cities in the east and across the country stand in violation of international law and could potentially destabilize the region at large.

“The United States and the United Nations must continue to actively engage leaders in the international community to work towards a solution to this conflict.  It is critical that the people in the DRC are protected and rebel groups are prevented from wreaking further havoc in this vulnerable part of the world."