SECRETARY-GENERAL URGES IVORIAN PARTIES TO IMPLEMENT COMMITMENTS PROMPTLY,

IN GOOD FAITH, FOLLOWING SUCCESSFUL MEETING IN PRETORIA

 

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

The Secretary-General welcomes the successful outcome of the meeting of the Ivorian parties held in Pretoria from 3 to 6 April, convened by President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa on behalf of the African Union.  The Secretary-General welcomes the decision taken to end all hostilities and start the disarmament process, as well as the immediate dismantling of militias, and looks forward to progress in the many areas covered in Pretoria pursuant to the Linas-Marcoussis and Accra Agreements.  He urges the parties to implement their respective commitments promptly and in good faith.

While the United Nations is studying the best ways to assist in the implementation of the Pretoria agreement, which provides a road map for the restoration of peace and stability in Côte d’Ivoire, the Secretary-General reminds the parties that they must bear the primary responsibility in this regard.

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