DATE=11/5/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BUSH / CONGO (S)

NUMBER=2-309468

BYLINE=SCOTT STEARNS

DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: President Bush met with the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Wednesday. They discussed the country's search for political stability after years of fighting, which has involved many of Congo's neighbors. V-O-A's Scott Stearns has the story.

TEXT: Congolese President Joseph Kabila says the Oval Office meeting focused on what he calls the positive evolution of the situation in Congo where a new constitution and an interim administration is aimed at ending years of fighting.

President Kabila says the leaders discussed preparations for new elections within two years. He says he promised to continue cooperating in the fight against terrorism and spoke of the need for support from the United States and the international community to help meet Congo's humanitarian needs.

/// KABILA ACT ///

It was a good meeting, a very positive meeting, and we expect quite a lot from this particular meeting.

/// END ACT ///

White House spokesman Scott McClellan says President Bush supports Congo's political transition and hopes to continue efforts to ensure regional stability, improve trade and development, and fight terrorism and AIDS. (SIGNED)

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