Secretary-General, Deeply Concerned by Reports of Renewed Fighting in Central

African Republic, Urges Séléka Movement to Halt Military Offensive

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned by reports of renewed fighting in the Central African Republic, despite the signing of the Libreville Agreements on 11 January 2013.

The Secretary-General condemns all acts of violence.  He urges the Séléka movement to immediately halt its military offensive.  He also urges all parties to abide by their commitments as contained in the Libreville Agreements.  The United Nations will continue to support concerted action, including by the Economic Community of Central African States, to ensure that the parties in the Central African Republic resolve the current crisis peacefully.

The Secretary-General reiterates his firm conviction that resorting to violence and military means will only lead to more suffering and instability and will further complicate efforts to reach a political solution.  He intends to talk to regional leaders to urge them to do all they can to stop the fighting and commit the parties to implement the Libreville Agreements without further delay.

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For information media • not an official record