In progress at UNHQ

SG/SM/5989

SECRETARY-GENERAL EXTREMELY CONCERNED WITH SITUATION IN CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

23 May 1996


Press Release
SG/SM/5989


SECRETARY-GENERAL EXTREMELY CONCERNED WITH SITUATION IN CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

19960523 The following was issued today by the Spokesman for the Secretary- General:

Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali is extremely concerned with the deteriorating situation in the Central African Republic. He condemns the military rebellion that has taken place in Bangui and supports the democratically-elected institutions in that country.

The Secretary-General has been in touch by telephone with a number of African leaders, including President Omar Bongo of Gabon.

The Secretary-General called the President of the Central African Republic, Ange-Felix Patasse, this morning. President Patasse briefed the Secretary-General on the situation; he said the rebellion had endangered the democratic institutions of his country, but the people wanted to preserve stability and the elected government.

The Secretary-General has instructed Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Yasushi Akashi, to organize urgently-needed humanitarian assistance for the Central African Republic.

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For information media. Not an official record.