The Secretary-General is appalled by the continuing inter-communal violence in the Central African Republic (CAR), including the reports today of dozens more bodies found on the streets of Bangui.

The Secretary-General is saddened by the deaths yesterday of six peacekeepers from the African-led International Support Mission (MISCA), and he pays homage to the sacrifice they have made. He calls on all parties and citizens to cooperate with the African Union and French forces. Their mission is to provide desperately needed security. They are not part of the conflict between Central Africans.

The Secretary-General was also saddened to learn of the killing of a UN national staff member on Tuesday. The Secretary-General extends his deepest condolences to the families of all of the victims of the violence in the CAR.  He appreciates the efforts of UN personnel working under extremely trying circumstances to help the people of the CAR, and he is committed to their security. 

The Secretary-General calls again on the Transitional Authorities of the CAR to uphold their responsibilities to rein in those fomenting and perpetrating the violence.  He reiterates that those responsible for atrocities must be held accountable.  The Secretary-General welcomes the appeals for peace by religious leaders, both Christian and Muslim, and he hopes that leaders at all levels will reinforce this message.

The Secretary-General reaffirms the full commitment of the United Nations to help the Central African Republic emerge from this terrible crisis and to build peace.  He stresses the urgency at this time of providing security and protection for the civilian population, facilitating humanitarian assistance, and creating the conditions for a negotiated and orderly return to constitutional order.