SG/SM/8408
 AFR/489
 1 October 2002

 

SECRETARY-GENERAL AFFIRMS UN SUPPORT FOR SUBREGIONAL EFFORTS TO RESOLVE CÔTE D'IVOIRE CRISIS

NEW YORK, 30 September (UN Headquarters) -- Following is a statement on the situation in Côte d'Ivoire by Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General continues to follow with deep concern the developments in Côte d’Ivoire.

He welcomes the results of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Extraordinary Summit which took place in Accra on 29 September and supports the Summit’s call for the insurgents to cease hostilities and for all parties to work towards a negotiated settlement to avert further violence, whose humanitarian consequences could be disastrous for Côte d’Ivoire and the entire subregion.

The Secretary-General calls on the international community to support the ECOWAS peace initiative and contribute to the creation of a conducive environment for a peaceful outcome of the crisis. He affirms the readiness of the United Nations to support the ongoing subregional efforts to resolve the crisis.

* *** *