Security Council Press Statement on Central African Republic

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Mohammed Loulichki ( Morocco):

The members of the Security Council were briefed on 19 December 2012, by Mr. Taye-Brook Zerihoun, Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, on the situation in the Central African Republic (CAR).

The members of the Security Council expressed strong concern at the situation in CAR.  They condemned the attacks conducted by armed groups in the last few days in north-eastern CAR and associated human rights abuses.  These developments threatened the civilian population and the stability of CAR.  The members of the Security Council underlined that those undermining the process of consolidating peace, security and stability in CAR should be held accountable.

The members of the Security Council demanded that the armed groups immediately cease hostilities, withdraw from captured cities, cease any further advance towards the city of Bangui, return to peaceful activities and respect the Libreville Comprehensive Peace Agreement.

The members of the Security Council recalled resolution 2031 (2011), demanding that all armed groups cooperate with the Government in the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process, which must be implemented in a transparent and comprehensive manner.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their call on all armed groups and the Government of the Central African Republic to renew their commitment to the national reconciliation process by fully observing the recommendations of the Inclusive Political Dialogue which resulted from the Libreville Comprehensive Peace Agreement signed in 2008.

The members of the Security Council emphasized the necessity of enhanced political dialogue in order to identify ways out of the current crisis and preserve national unity in CAR.

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For information media • not an official record