The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the continuing political stalemate in Côte d’Ivoire. He reiterates his call to refrain from any actions that could provoke violence, and stresses that in the currently charged political environment such actions could have unpredictable consequences, including reigniting civil war.
In progress at UNHQ
Noon Briefings
Robert Serry, the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, told the Security Council today that, following recent developments in the region, the need to shift strategy is evident. He said that we understand that the United States will now engage both sides in indirect talks on all the final status issues, and the Secretary-General expects the parties to engage seriously.
The Secretary-General will meet with Member States in an informal plenary meeting of the General Assembly this afternoon, to discuss the UN climate change negotiations that concluded over the weekend in Cancún, Mexico — having delivered important success for a world much in need of it. He will also talk about recent developments in Haiti and Côte d’Ivoire, among other topics.
Today is Human Rights Day, and the Secretary-General spoke at a number of events, including one on ending violence and criminal sanctions based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
The Security Council issued a statement to the press last night on Côte d'Ivoire, in which Council members noted the recognition by the Economic Community of West African States of Alassane Ouattara as President-elect of Côte d'Ivoire. Council members called on all stakeholders to respect the outcome of the election.
The Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Côte d’Ivoire, Choi Young-jin, held a press conference in Abidjan earlier today, during which he explained the UN’s certification process of the presidential election. Choi said that the will of the people, as expressed on 28 November, is irrefutable.
The Secretary-General has just arrived in Cancún, Mexico, and, as you know, he will be opening the High-Level Segment of the Climate Change Conference there this afternoon.
The Secretary-General remains deeply concerned about the situation in Côte d’Ivoire. He has been in close contact with many world leaders, including the Presidents of Burkina Faso, Nigeria and Malawi. He is also consulting with former South African President Thabo Mbeki, who is in Côte d’Ivoire on the African Union’s behalf.
The Secretary-General supports today’s certification by his Special Representative of the result of the 28 November run-off presidential election in Côte d’Ivoire. He accepts his Special Representative’s analysis and evaluation, taking into account all aspects of the outcome of these elections is in accordance with the announcement made by the President of the Independent Electoral Commission on 2 December.
The results for the run-off presidential election that was held on 28 November in Côte d’Ivoire have been announced, and the Secretary-General requests all the Ivorian stakeholders and institutions to demonstrate responsibility.