Security Council worried over rising problems in Central African Republic

Voicing deep concern over the increasing problems affecting the political and economic situation in the Central African Republic (CAR), members of the Security Council today asked Secretary-General Kofi Annan to coordinate the various initiatives taken at the regional level to restore calm and stability in the country.

In a statement to the press, Council President Ambassador Jagdish Koonjul of Mauritius said the 15-member body asked Mr. Annan to carry out its request through his Representative, Lamine Cissé, and in cooperation with the Organization of African Unity (OAU).

Council members welcomed the positive steps taken by the country's authorities and called on them to continue to facilitate the national dialogue and reconciliation, Ambassador Koonjul said. The Council remained, however, deeply concerned about the interdependence between the continuing crisis in the CAR and the situation in neighbouring States in particular, and the sub-region in general.

According to Ambassador Koonjul, Council members also encouraged the international community and the CAR's development partners to continue providing assistance to the country, and reaffirmed their support to Mr. Cissé and the UN Peace-building Office (BONUCA).