PRESS STATEMENT ON CÔTE D‘IVOIRE BY SECURITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT

PRESS STATEMENT ON CÔTE D‘IVOIRE BY SECURITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT

Following is today’s press statement on Côte d’Ivoire by Security Council President Munir Akram (Pakistan):

The members of the Security Council have thanked the Acting High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr. Ramcharan, for his briefing on the events that occurred in Abidjan 25–26 March of this year and for his presentation of the report of the Commission of inquiry.  They have taken note of this report with interest and concern, and intend to give it further consideration,

The members of the Security Council firmly condemn the violations of human rights.  They note that putting an end to impunity is important for resolving the crisis in Côte d’Ivoire and urge that those responsible for violations of human rights, in particular those committed on 25-26 March in Abidjan, be held accountable,

The members of the Security Council welcome the intention of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to establish a Commission of Inquiry that will look into the events going back to September 2002, and urged full support for the upcoming investigation of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights,

The members of the Security Council have expressed their determination to consider rapidly the concrete steps that could be taken to ensure that those who are responsible for all the violations of human rights perpetrated in Côte d’Ivoire since September 2002 are held accountable for their actions,

The members of the Security Council have expressed once again their deep concern that the parties to the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement have not carried out their commitments under the Agreement, which has put at risk the process to lead to free, open and fair elections.  They urge all the parties to the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement to fulfil their commitments under the Agreement immediately,

The members of the Security Council urged the immediate establishment of the National Human Rights Commission called for in the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement.

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