PRESS STATEMENT ON CÔTE D’IVOIRE BY SECURITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT

PRESS STATEMENT ON C ÔTE D’IVOIRE BY SECURITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT

Following is the text of today’s statement to the press by Security Council President Kenzo Oshima ( Japan):

The members of the Council heard briefings by Mr. Mosiuoa Lekota, Minister of Defence for South Africa; Mr. Aminu Wali, Permanent Representative of Nigeria; and Mr. Pierre Schori, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Côte d’Ivoire.

The South African Mediation stated that it will continue its efforts, with the support of the United Nations and the African Union, to ensure the holding of free, fair and transparent elections in Côte d’Ivoire as scheduled, which is the only solution to the crisis.

The South African Mediation also underlined that it was now time for the implementation in good faith and without delay of the agreements signed by all Ivorian parties.

The members of the Security Council reiterate their readiness to take all steps they consider necessary, including the implementation of individual sanctions, in order to ensure the respect of the resolutions of the Security Council.

The members of the Security Council reiterate their full support for the action undertaken by the South African Mediation, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the High Representative for the elections.

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For information media • not an official record