SECRETARY-GENERAL, CONCERNED BY CÔTE D’IVOIRE DEVELOPMENTS, URGES PARTIES TO SEEK SOLUTION THROUGH DIALOGUE

SECRETARY-GENERAL, CONCERNED BY CÔTE D’IVOIRE DEVELOPMENTS,

URGES PARTIES TO SEEK SOLUTION THROUGH DIALOGUE

Following is a statement issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about recent developments in Côte d'Ivoire, including the decision of the Forces Nouvelles to suspend their participation in the Government of National Reconciliation and in the programme of Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration, as well as the subsequent decision to close down the main road linking Abidjan and Bouaké.  These developments constitute a serious setback in the peace process.

The Secretary-General urges all Ivorian political forces and their leaders to work together to build upon the steps already taken towards implementing the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement.  In this regard, the Secretary-General hopes that the Ivorian Government will continue to provide the necessary leadership in moving the peace process forward.  The Secretary-General calls upon the Forces Nouvelles to resume participation in the Government of National Reconciliation and to seek solutions to their grievances through dialogue and through the good offices of the Monitoring Committee, chaired by his Special Representative, Albert Tevoedjre.

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