PRESS STATEMENT ON CÔTE D’IVOIRE BY SECURITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT

PRESS STATEMENT ON CÔTE D’IVOIRE BY SECURITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT

The following press statement on Côte d’Ivoire was delivered today by Security Council President Jean-Marc de La Sablière (France):

The members of the Security Council expressed grave concern at the events that occurred in Côte d’Ivoire, in particular in Abidjan, on 25 March.

They underscored that the Security Council endorsed the Linas-Marcoussis agreement.  That political agreement is the only solution to the crisis in Côte d’Ivoire.

The members of the Security Council recalled the Council’s commitment to support the process of peaceful settlement in Côte d’Ivoire, as evidenced by its decision to deploy a peacekeeping force with a clear and robust mandate.

The members of the Security Council emphasized that all the Ivorian parties must make the same commitment.  No progress can be achieved in the implementation of the Linas-Marcoussis agreement without the resolve and commitment of all the Ivorian parties themselves.  It is up to them, first and foremost, to fully implement the Linas-Marcoussis agreement, without preconditions, as they committed to do in January 2003.

The members of the Security Council stressed that it is essential to proceed immediately and simultaneously with the implementation of all the commitments made under this agreement.  They emphasized, in particular, that it is urgent to adopt the key texts provided for in the Linas-Marcoussis agreement, to begin operations to disarm combatants, to ensure the redeployment of the administration throughout the territory.

The members of the Security Council stressed that it is imperative for all the Ivorian parties to remain fully engaged in the government.  They urge all the Ivorian parties to act with responsibility and restraint in the interest of Côte d’Ivoire and the Ivorian people.  The members of the Security Council emphasized that Ivorian authorities are responsible to provide for the security of all its citizens.

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