Annan strongly condemns coup in Central African Republic
United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today forcefully condemned the military coup and accompanying violence and pillaging that took place in the Central African Republic (CAR) over the weekend.
"The Secretary-General has been following with deep concern the developments in the Central African Republic," spokesman Fred Eckhard said in New York today. "He deeply regrets that such an act comes at a time when the Central African people and Government were embarking on an inclusive national dialogue."
The spokesman added that Mr. Annan called for the "speedy restoration of the constitutional order and for the respect and protection of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the civilian population."