SECRETARY-GENERAL TO DISPATCH SPECIAL ENVOY TO CONFLICT-PLAGUED

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

In response to the violence that continues to plague the Central African Republic following the attempted coup on 27/28 May 2001, which he condemned in a statement on 29 May, the Secretary-General has decided, in addition to his continued involvement from Headquarters to finding a solution to the current situation, to dispatch to Bangui, as his Special Envoy, General Amadou Toumani Touré of Mali, for urgent talks with President Patassé and other authorities and actors.

The Special Envoy will hold discussions with his interlocutors with a view to ending the fighting that reportedly continues in parts of Bangui between forces loyal to the Government and the rebels, and restoring peaceful political dialogue within the framework of respect for the country's democratic institutions.

The Special Envoy is expected to begin his mission in the course of the present week.

* *** *