Impasse in Côte d'Ivoire peace process concerns Security Council

The United Nations Security Council today expressed its deep concern at the recent announcement by President Laurent Gbagbo of Côte d'Ivoire that he would dismiss opposition ministers and also reiterated its concerns at the continuing non-participation of opposition parties in the Government of Reconciliation.

"The Council considers that such decisions undermine the normal functioning of Ivorian institutions and resumption of dialogue between Ivorian parties, which is the basis of the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement," said Ambassador Munir Akram of Pakistan, the President of the 15-member body for May. That 2003 agreement ended fierce fighting between the Government and the opposition Forces Nouvelles, and under the accord the two parties pledged to set up a government of national unity.

The Council reiterated its grave concern at the events which occurred in Côte d'Ivoire at the end of March and at the current impasse in the peace process defined by the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement, Ambassador Akram said in a statement read out in a formal meeting. In late March, the opposition defied President Gbagbo's ban on protest marches. Dozens of people died during sporadic shooting in the main commercial centre, Abidjan.

The statement said the Council expected President Gbagbo to fully comply with his commitment to see that all those responsible for human rights violations were identified and brought to justice. The Council further expressed its "complete readiness to take any further steps necessary, against individuals who block the full implementation of the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement."

The Council also asked Secretary-General Kofi Annan to quickly set up an international commission of inquiry to investigate all human rights violations that have taken place since September 2002.

Recalling its decision to deploy the UN Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) to support a peaceful settlement, leading to elections in 2005, the Council expressed its deep concern by declarations of hate, in particular those addressed against UNOCI personnel.

The Council urged all Ivorian actors to refrain from any action or statement, especially in the media, which put at risk the security of UN personnel and the process of national reconciliation.

Video of Council meeting [27mins]