PRESS STATEMENT ON CÔTE D’IVOIRE BY SECURITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT

Following is today’s press statement on Côte d’Ivoire by Security Council President Jean-Marc de La Sablière (France):

Members of the Security Council were informed by the Secretary-General of the agreement signed by the round table of the political factions in Côte d’Ivoire, which took place at Linas-Marcoussis from 15 to 23 January, and of the Conference of Heads of State on Côte d’Ivoire, which was held at Paris on 25 and 26 January and approved the Agreement.  They expressed satisfaction with the parties reaching an agreement and urged them to implement it constructively without delay and to avoid futher violence.

Members of the Security Council stressed once again the importance of the support of the Members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to the restoration of peace and security in Côte d’Ivoire.  They welcomed the continued efforts to deploy the ECOWAS Military Observer Group (ECOMOG) force, under Senegalese command.  They expressed their appreciation to all member countries of ECOWAS that had agreed to provide contingents to the force and appealed to the international community to lend its support.  They also expressed appreciation for the efforts of the African Union to bring about a settlement.

Members of the Security Council thanked France for its diplomatic efforts and military deployment aimed at facilitating a political settlement of the crisis.

Members of the Security Council thanked the Secretary-General for the important role that he has played in the talks, either directly or through the intermediary of his Special Representative.  They expressed the wish that the United Nations support the implementation of the peace process.  They stated their intention to consider promptly the Secretary-General’s recommendations to that end.

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