SG/SM/10306
AFR/1316
18 January 2006

Secretary-General Demands Immediate End to "Orchestrated Violence" in Côte d'Ivoire

NEW YORK, 17 January (UN Headquarters) -- The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General expresses his deep concern at the continuing disturbances in Côte d'Ivoire, in particular in Abidjan, Daloa, San Pedro and Guiglo, as well as other areas of the country.  He condemns the orchestrated violence directed against the United Nations, the population, as well as the inaction of some national authorities in responding to the situation.

The Secretary-General demands an immediate end to these attacks which contravene Ivorian law and seriously endanger the peace process as set out by the African Union and the Security Council.

The Secretary-General reminds all Ivorian leaders of their individual responsibility for acts of violence carried out by their supporters and for keeping the peace process on track.  He calls on all Ivorian parties to fully cooperate with the Prime Minister, the Head of the United Nations Mission and the international community in working to implement the road map to bring an end to the crisis.

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