Deeply Concerned about Côte d’Ivoire Political Stalemate, Secretary-General

 

Warns That Provocative Actions Could Lead to ‘Unpredictable Consequences’

 

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the continuing political stalemate in Côte d’Ivoire.  The situation is taking a worrying turn with unfolding events that could lead to widespread violence.  These include the recent threats by some commanders of the national security forces to resort to military options, the standoff between elements of the Forces nouvelles and national security forces near the Golf Hotel on 13 December, and the marches planned by supporters of the Rassemblement des Houphouëtistes pour la Démocratie et la Paix.

The Secretary-General reiterates his call on all the Ivorian parties and their supporters to exercise patience and refrain from any actions that could, accidentally or deliberately, provoke violence.  He stresses that in the currently charged political environment such actions could have unpredictable consequences, including reigniting civil war.  The Secretary-General therefore reminds those who incite or perpetrate violence, and those who use the media for this purpose, that they will be held accountable for their actions.

The Secretary-General, once again, calls upon Mr. [Laurent] Gbagbo to respect the will of the Ivorian people, democratically expressed through the run-off presidential election, and to step down to allow President-elect [Alassane] Ouattara to assume his mandate.  The Secretary-General remains in close contact with the Ivorian stakeholders, as well as regional and international leaders, who stand firm in their demand for a peaceful end to the crisis and for respect for the will of the people.

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For information media • not an official record