SECRETARY-GENERAL APPEALS TO COMOROS PARTIES TO ADHERE TO FRAMEWORK RECONCILIATION AGREEMENT

SECRETARY-GENERAL APPEALS TO COMOROS PARTIES TO ADHERE

TO FRAMEWORK RECONCILIATION AGREEMENT

Following is the text of a statement issued today by the Office of the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan, on the situation in the Comoros:

The Secretary-General has been closely following developments in the  Comoros since the signing, on 17 February 2001, of the Framework Agreement for Reconciliation.  He is concerned by the decision of the Anjouanese Party to suspend its participation in the follow-up mechanism put in place by the Agreement and calls on it to reconsider its decision.  He also appeals to all the parties in the Comoros to adhere to all the provisions of the Agreement and to comply with its implementation timetable.

The Agreement represents a unique opportunity to promote national reconciliation in the Comoros and to preserve its territorial integrity.  The Secretary-General commends the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and its partners for the important role they played in facilitating the signing of the Agreement and the efforts they are making to ensure its implementation.  He reiterates the readiness of the United Nations to contribute to the reconstruction of the Comoros and the promotion of its democratic institutions, including assistance for the forthcoming elections.

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