PRESS STATEMENT ON CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC BY PRESIDENT OF SECURITY COUNCIL

PRESS STATEMENT ON CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC BY PRESIDENT OF SECURITY COUNCIL

Following is this afternoon’s press statement on the Central African Republic by Wang Yingfan (China), President of the Security Council:

Members of the Security Council heard a briefing from Assistant Secretary-General [Tuliameni] Kalomoh on the situation in the Central African Republic on  26 November 2002.

Members of the Council reaffirmed their support for the deployment of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) force, the plan for which should reflect the changed circumstances since 25 October, and called once again on the international community for the necessary logistic and financial support for the force.  Members of the Council reaffirmed their support for the peace effort by the United Nations and CEMAC.

Members of the Council appealed to the Central African Republic and Chad to show mutual restraint and to refrain from any action or statement that could further destabilize the situation.

Members of the Council encouraged the two States to reactivate and reinvigorate the bilateral cooperation structures existing between the Central African Republic and Chad, especially the Joint Commission.

Members of the Council called on both sides to ensure respect for human rights and the principles of international humanitarian law.

Members of the Council welcomed President Patassé’s offer on 25 November to enter into dialogue with the various political parties in the Central African Republic and encouraged him to do so as soon as possible with a view to promoting national reconciliation.

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