SECRETARY-GENERAL CALLS ON CAMEROON, NIGERIA TO RESPECT INTERNATIONAL

COURT OF JUSTICE’S JUDGMENT ON BORDER DISPUTE

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General has taken note of the judgment delivered today by the International Court of Justice on the Bakassi border dispute between Cameroon and Nigeria.

The Secretary-General reiterates his call on both parties to respect and implement the Court’s decision.

The Secretary-General commends Nigeria and Cameroon for resorting to the International Court of Justice for a peaceful settlement of their territorial dispute, and for the steps they have recently taken to restore the fraternal and neighbourly relations that have traditionally existed between them.

The Secretary-General reaffirms the United Nations’ readiness to assist the two countries in the implementation of the Court’s decision.

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