Security Council press statement on Côte d’Ivoire

 

Following is the press statement on Côte d’Ivoire delivered by Council President Jean-Marc de La Sablière (France):

The members of the Security Council heard a briefing by Hédi Annabi, Assistant Secretary-General, on the massacres that occurred in the region of Duékoué, in the West of Côte d’Ivoire.

The members of the Security Council condemn with the utmost firmness these massacres of the civilian population.  They urge the Ivorian authorities to conduct without delay an inquiry on these crimes, so that their perpetrators are quickly brought to justice and condemned.

The members of the Security Council reiterate their full support to the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI), which intervened to work towards the stabilization of the situation, and to the French forces who supported this intervention.  They recall that Ivorian authorities are responsible for ensuring the security of civilians and for promoting the respect for human rights.

The members of the Security Council call on all Ivorian parties to refrain from any hostile action and warn them against any escalation of violence.

The members of the Security Council remain vigilant and will follow closely the evolution of the security situation in the region of Duékoué, as well as in the rest of the country.

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