Political progress in Central African Republic should quickly lead to elections - Security Council

Acknowledging the political progress thus far in the Central African Republic (CAR), the members of the United Nations Security Council today stressed that it was essential that authorities in Bangui now elaborate a plan for the national dialogue, including a timeframe, and to hold elections as soon as possible.

The Council's President, Ambassador Adolfo Aguilar Zinser of Mexico, said in a press statement that even while members of the 15-nation body recalled their condemnation of the March coup d'état, they "nonetheless welcomed the political progress in the Central African Republic, the call for a national dialogue and the appointment of a Government of National Unity, including the nomination of a respected Prime Minister."

Ambassador Zinser noted that the Council had been briefed earlier today by Gen. Lamine Cissé, the Special Representative of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan for the CAR, and had thanked him for his efforts in support of the political dialogue, of the process of national reconciliation and of the reestablishment of the rule of law in the country. The members also reiterated their full support for General Cissé as the head of the UN Peace-Building Office in the Central African Republic (BONUCA).

"They expressed the view that the resources currently available to BONUCA can provide support to the political process, including assistance that will be required to prepare for the future general elections," Ambassador Zinser said, adding that the Council had nevertheless invited the donor community to help with the country's reconstruction.

"They further reiterated their support to the efforts of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC) and of the African Union," he said.