PRESS STATEMENT BY SECURITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT ON COTE D’IVOIRE

Following is the press statement on Côte d’Ivoire delivered by the President of the Security Council, John Negroponte (United States):

Members of the Security Council were briefed by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Côte d’Ivoire, Albert Tevoedjre, on the latest developments in Côte d’Ivoire.  Members expressed appreciation and support for his work and the work of the United Nations Mission in Côte d’Ivoire.

Members of the Security Council expressed concern that implementation of the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement had been slowed and that sporadic violence had erupted.  They took particular note of the recent events in Bouaké and stressed the importance of re-establishing the authority of the State throughout the territory of Côte d’Ivoire.

Members of the Security Council urged all Ivorian parties, in particular the Forces Nouvelles, to take all necessary measures to restore confidence.  They also urged all Ivorian parties to implement fully, quickly and faithfully the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement, which is the only way of ensuring the recovery of Côte d’Ivoire and bringing about national reconciliation.

Members of the Security Council noted some positive developments in implementing the national reconciliation process in accordance with the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement.  In particular, they welcomed the reopening of the border between Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso and the resumption of rail traffic between the two countries.  They also welcomed the fact that all the members of the Government of National Reconciliation had now been appointed.  The members of the Security Council reiterated their concern about the situation in Côte d’Ivoire.

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