SG/SM/5898

SECRETARY-GENERAL URGES CAMEROON AND NIGERIA TO SETTLE DISPUTE OVER BAKASSI PENINSULA IN ACCORDANCE WITH UN CHARTER

26 February 1996


Press Release
SG/SM/5898


SECRETARY-GENERAL URGES CAMEROON AND NIGERIA TO SETTLE DISPUTE OVER BAKASSI PENINSULA IN ACCORDANCE WITH UN CHARTER

19960226 The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary- General Boutros Boutros-Ghali:

The Secretary-General received the Chargé d'affaires of Cameroon, Jean-Marc Mpay, at 1 p.m. today at his request.

Mr. Mpay handed over to the Secretary-General a letter from the President of Cameroon, Paul Biya, concerning the dispute between Cameroon and Nigeria over the Bakassi Peninsula. In the letter, President Biya informed the Secretary-General about the developments in the Peninsula since 3 February, which were also brought to the attention of the President of the Security Council.

The Secretary-General expressed his serious concerns over the deteriorating situation in the Peninsula. He noted that this dispute is currently under the consideration of the International Court of Justice and urges the Governments of Cameroon and Nigeria to pursue their efforts with a view to settling this dispute peacefully and in accordance with the United Nations Charter.

In this regard, the Secretary-General was pleased to note President Biya's determination to seek a peaceful settlement to the dispute.

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For information media. Not an official record.