Annan hails meeting of new Côte d'Ivoire Government

As Côte d'Ivoire's new government of national unity met at the highest level today - bringing together top representatives of all the parties - United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan urged the leaders to seize the occasion to "render the peace process irreversible."

In a message delivered by his Special Representative, Albert Tévoedjré, Mr. Annan expressed his "profound satisfaction" on the occasion of the Cabinet meeting in Yamoussoukro. Though Ivoirian ministers have met twice previously, today's gathering in the capital marks the first time that all the parties have taken part in discussions aimed at ending a six-month civil war.

The Secretary-General also stressed that he and the entire UN system are "committed to support the efforts to rebuild Côte d'Ivoire as a peaceful country and an economic engine of the sub-region."

A new report by the Secretary-General released yesterday proposes the creation of a new UN Mission in Côte d'Ivoire, and includes other recommendations outlining possible ways the UN can help smooth progress towards implementation of a crucial power-sharing peace accord.