Dec 17 (Reuters) - Apple ( AAPL ) on Tuesday said it

strongly disputes allegations that it uses conflict minerals in

its products and told suppliers earlier this year to stop

purchasing those minerals from the Democratic Republic of Congo

and Rwanda.

In a statement to Reuters, Apple ( AAPL ) said it told its suppliers

their smelters and refiners must stop buying tin, tantalum,

tungsten and gold from the two countries as conflict in the

region has escalated.

Apple's ( AAPL ) statement came in response to a criminal complaint

filed earlier in the day against the company in France and

Belgium, where the Congolese government alleged Apple ( AAPL ) uses

conflict minerals laundered through international supply chains.