SECRETARY-GENERAL CONDEMNS VIOLENCE, APPEALS FOR CALM IN CÔTE D’IVOIRE; SAYS RECENT AGREEMENT SHOULD BE ‘FIRST STEP TOWARDS PEACE’

SECRETARY-GENERAL CONDEMNS VIOLENCE, APPEALS FOR CALM IN CÔTE D’IVOIRE;

SAYS RECENT AGREEMENT SHOULD BE ‘FIRST STEP TOWARDS PEACE’

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

The Linas-Marcoussis Agreement negotiated by the various Ivorian parties and endorsed by the Paris Conference of Heads of State on 26 January, represents an important first step towards restoring peace and stability to a reunified Côte d’Ivoire.  In associating itself with that agreement, the United Nations reaffirmed its determination to continue to contribute to all efforts aimed at bringing the conflict and the suffering of the Ivorian people to an end.

In addition to condemning violence and appealing for calm, the Secretary-General once again calls on all Ivorians, and particularly the political leaders, to work towards making this Agreement a concrete first step towards peace.  He also renews his appeal to the international community to continue to support the efforts of the Ivorian people.

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