Secretary-General condemns attacks in Côte d’Ivoire,

 

calls for resumed dialogue, return to peace process

 

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

The Secretary-General condemns the attacks that have taken place across the Zone of Confidence, including against the French Licorne force.  He deplores the continuing violence in Abidjan, including against foreign citizens.  To prevent any further deterioration in the situation, he urges the parties to ensure the maintenance of the ceasefire and the earliest restoration of calm and normalcy, including through the cessation of all “hate media”.  He calls on the parties to ensure the protection, safety and respect for the human rights of all in Côte d’Ivoire.  The Secretary-General welcomes the commencement of joint patrols in Abidjan by units from the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI), the National Armed Forces of Côte d’Ivoire (FANCI) and the French Licorne force.

The Secretary-General welcomes the statement by the President of the Security Council of 6 November 2004, which confirms that ONUCI, within its capabilities and areas of deployment, is authorized to prevent any hostile action, in particular, within the Zone of Confidence.

The Secretary-General is increasingly concerned about the humanitarian dimensions of the crisis.  There are worrying reports that water and electricity are no longer available at numerous locations, in particular, in the north.  Additionally, United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations have been forced to drastically reduce their programmes due to security concerns.  The Secretary-General urges the Ivorian authorities to restore and maintain basic services and calls on those concerned to ensure that aid workers have unimpeded access to populations in need.

The Secretary-General welcomes today’s visit to Abidjan by President Thabo Mbeki, on behalf of the African Union, and reiterates his full support for the efforts pursued by the African Union and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in coordination with the United Nations, to find a rapid and lasting solution to the current crisis in Côte d’Ivoire.  He reiterates his call to the parties for a resumption of dialogue and a return to the process of implementing the Linas-Marcoussis and Accra III Agreements.

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