SECRETARY-GENERAL ENCOURAGED BY CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES IN CÔTE D’IVOIRE

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

The Secretary-General is encouraged by the cessation of hostilities in Côte d’Ivoire.  He urges the parties to do everything possible to consolidate this important step through dialogue and national reconciliation.  The United Nations will continue to support the sustained efforts of the Economic Community of West African States to help the Ivoirian people achieve peace, tolerance and prosperity in Côte d’Ivoire.

The Secretary-General calls on other international partners to remain attentive to the needs of Côte d’Ivoire in this difficult period.

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