PRESS CONFERENCE BY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF CÔTE D’IVOIRE

An agreement signed last Friday between rebel soldiers and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) provided for an end to hostilities in Côte d'Ivoire, Philippe Djangone-Bi, that country's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, said at a Headquarters press conference this morning.

He said the ceasefire agreement included four points, the first being that the rebels would accept an end to hostilities and resume dialogue with the Government.  The second point was that both Government troops and rebels would remain in their current positions until the conditions of the agreement had been put in place, and that the rebels would allow the establishment of stability in the area.  Third, ECOWAS would secure for the Ivorian Government a declaration from the rebels announcing an end to hostilities and acceptance of dialogue, and the Government would agree to the same.  Finally, Government and rebel delegates would meet in an Ivorian city to join in negotiations with ECOWAS, in the presence of delegates representing the international community.

Mr. Djangone-Bi said that until a new system was put in place, France would run a mission to enhance security and ensure compliance with the ceasefire.  The Government would do its utmost to ensure that the conflict was resolved by dialogue, he added.  Welcoming the signing of the agreement, he emphasized, however, that the accord was between the rebels and the Foreign Minister of Senegal, acting on behalf of ECOWAS and that the Ivorian Government agreed to observe it.

He described as an international conspiracy allegations that Muslims were being mistreated, adding that Government soldiers had nothing to do with executions.  He also suggested that the executions were being carried out by people dressed in military uniforms, noting that the execution of officers in other parts of the country had gone unreported.

Mr. Djangone-Bi said Côte d'Ivoire and France had been allies throughout the current situation and the Government was not behind demonstrations relating to the French position, which reflected rather “the majority view” regarding France.

On ceasefire negotiations, he said ECOWAS should ensure that the rebels laid down their arms and the interposition of forces to disarm them.

He said that his country had experienced aggression from abroad and that its people had been taken prisoner by army deserters from surrounding States like Liberia, Burkina Faso and Mali.

Regarding talks with the rebels, he said, “It’s up to them to talk to us”, adding that it was not up to the Government to incorporate opposition leader Alassane Ouattara.  The Constitution must be applied, he emphasized.

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