Secretary-General Welcomes Launch of Peace, Reconciliation Caravan

 

in Conflict-Affected Areas of Central African Republic

 

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

The Secretary-General welcomes the launch today, in the Central African Republic, of a peace and reconciliation caravan in conflict-affected areas in the north-east of the country.  He commends this effort to reduce tensions and promote reconciliation and peaceful coexistence between local communities.  He hopes all key parties will build on this important exercise to further consolidate peace in the country.  The United Nations stands ready to continue to support such efforts.

The Secretary-General recalls the ceasefire agreement signed in Bangui on 8 October 2011 between the Convention des patriotes pour la justice et la paix and the Union des forces démocratiques pour le rassemblement, following deadly clashes in the same region.  He urges the parties to implement all provisions of the agreement, which was facilitated by the Mediator of the Republic and the Government of the Central African Republic with the support of the United Nations, the African Union, the Economic Community of Central African States and its peacekeeping operation, MICOPAX [Mission for consolidation of peace in the Central African Republic], as well as the Government of Chad.

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For information media • not an official record