In progress at UNHQ

SG/SM/7603

SECRETARY-GENERAL, EXPRESSING CONCERN AT EVENTS IN CÔTE D’IVOIRE, URGES PARTIES TO TAKE OPPORTUNITY TO MOVE TO POLITICAL REFORM

26 October 2000


Press Release
SG/SM/7603


SECRETARY-GENERAL, EXPRESSING CONCERN AT EVENTS IN CÔTE D’IVOIRE, URGES PARTIES TO TAKE OPPORTUNITY TO MOVE TO POLITICAL REFORM

20001026

This is the text of a statement today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General has been following, with great concern, the latest developments in Côte d’Ivoire.

He regrets the loss of innocent lives during the ongoing demonstrations and calls upon all political, religious and social actors to exercise restraint and ensure security for all.

The Secretary-General recalls that he had deplored the current electoral process, which deprived the people of Côte d’Ivoire of the opportunity to freely exercise their rights and elect their leaders.

He believes that there is now an opportunity to put in place a democratic political process that will allow the people of Côte d’Ivoire to freely elect their representatives. He appeals to all political forces to work towards this end.

The Secretary-General will continue to follow the situation very closely and remains in touch with all concerned parties.

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For information media. Not an official record.