PRESS STATEMENT ON CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC BY SECURITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT

PRESS STATEMENT ON CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC BY SECURITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT

Following is today’s press statement on the Central African Republic by Security Council President Inocencio F. Arias (Spain):

Members of the Security Council heard a briefing by Representative of the Secretary-General Lamine Cissé on the situation in the Central African Republic and the activities of the United Nations Peace-Building Support Office in the Central African Republic (BONUCA).

Council Members noted with satisfaction that the Central African authorities had opted for a consensual management of the transition period by involving all the political factions and the other actors of civil society.  They invited the Central African authorities to fulfil their commitment to organize an inclusive national dialogue and to respect the timetable agreed for the return to constitutional legality, especially the holding of presidential elections before the end of 2004.

Members of the Council expressed their concern at the continuing insecurity and human rights violations in the Central African Republic.  They stressed that the restructuring of the security forces, supported by the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC), BONUCA and France, and systematic disarmament were essential for restoring security.  They insisted on the need for BONUCA to continue its inquiries into human rights violations and to continue to work to strengthen national capacities regarding the rule of law.

Members of the Council reiterated their full support for the action of the Representative of the Secretary-General, General Cissé, at the head of United Nations Peace-Building Support Office in the Central African Republic (BONUCA).  They further reiterated their support to the efforts of CEMAC and of the African Union.  They called on all member States to provide financial or logistical support to the force.

Council Members would consider the possibility of convening a public meeting on the occasion of the presentation of the next Secretary-General’s report at the beginning of 2004.  During that meeting, the question of the restoration of constitutional legality will be examined.

Members of the Security Council called on bilateral and multilateral donors to provide support to the Central African authorities in order to bring about the return to constitutional order and a lasting peace.

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