Security Council concerned at 'precarious situation' in Central African Republic

Recognizing the importance of the Central African Republic to regional stability, the Security Council today expressed its deep concern at the precarious situation in the country and urged the Government to take steps to end persisting acts of violence there.

In a statement read out at a formal meeting by the Council's current president, Ambassador Wang Yingfan of China, the 15-member body noted that such a climate was not conducive to encouraging the return home of thousands of Central Africans who were displaced or sought refuge in neighbouring countries as a result of the attempted coup at the end of May. The Council also reiterated its condemnation of that coup.

In addition, the Council strongly condemned the 5 July killing in Bangui of the United Nations security coordinator and urged the Central African authorities to bring those responsible to justice.

In its statement, the Council asked Secretary-General Kofi Annan to prepare by 30 September recommendations on how the United Nations can further contribute to the recovery of the Central African Republic.

The Council asked that the recommendations focus on strengthening the UN presence in the country, particularly in human rights monitoring and help for the judicial system. The UN should also look into providing experts in public administration and finances, as well as continued restructuring of the country's armed forces and the implementation of an effective arms-collection programme.

"The Security Council stresses that an enhanced international effort will be necessary to help in the recovery of the Central African Republic," the Council said, as it welcomed the appointment of the new Representative of the Secretary-General, Gen. Lamine Cissé of Senegal, to head the UN Peace-building Support Office (BONUCA).