SECRETARY-GENERAL APPEALS FOR REDUCTION OF TENSIONS IN CÔTE D’IVOIRE

SECRETARY-GENERAL APPEALS FOR REDUCTION OF TENSIONS IN CÔTE D’IVOIRE

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

The Secretary-General has been following with deep concern the recent deterioration of the situation in Côte d’Ivoire, including plans for rival massive demonstrations to be held in Abidjan on 25 March.  The Secretary-General appeals to all Ivorian parties to exercise utmost restraint, reduce tensions and avoid any steps that could further exacerbate the situation in the country.  He also appeals to the leaders of all Ivorian political parties to demonstrate statesmanship and engage in constructive consultations, as recently promised by President Gbagbo, in order to move forward with the implementation of the letter and spirit of the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement.

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