Security Council Press Statement on Situation in Côte d’Ivoire

 

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Néstor Osorio ( Colombia):

The members of the Security Council welcome that President Alassane Dramane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire is now in position to assume all his responsibilities as Head of State, in accordance with the Ivorian Constitution and the will of the Ivorian people expressed at the presidential elections of 28 November 2010 and as recognized by the international community.  They encourage President Ouattara to form an inclusive, broad-based Government.

The members of the Security Council urge all Ivorians to abstain from any reprisals, revenge and provocation, to exercise maximum restraint and to work together to promote national reconciliation and restore sustainable peace through dialogue and consultation.  They welcome President Ouattara’s commitment to investigate alleged human rights abuses and reaffirm that those responsible for such abuses, regardless of their affiliation, must be held accountable.

The members of the Security Council commend President Ouattara’s call for justice and reconciliation in Côte d’Ivoire and his decision to establish a Truth and Reconciliation Committee.  They encourage the Ivorian Government to cooperate closely with the independent international commission of inquiry on Côte d’Ivoire established by the Human Rights Council.  They call upon the Ivorian Government to ensure the security of Laurent Gbagbo and fair and just treatment for him and his entourage.

The members of the Security Council express concern about reports of widespread violence and intimidation in Abidjan and urge all illegal armed combatants to lay down their arms immediately to the relevant authorities.  They further encourage UNOCI [United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire], within its mandate, to help the Government in the urgent tasks of disarmament, help re-establish security, public order and rule of law throughout the country and facilitate the provision of humanitarian aid.  They affirm their readiness to further assist the Ivorian State in rebuilding its institutions and completing the unfinished aspects of the peace process in the country.

The members of the Security Council call upon UNOCI, and the French forces that support it, to continue to implement its mandate to protect civilians pursuant to the relevant Security Council resolutions.  They express appreciation for the valuable roles played by the United Nations, the African Union and ECOWAS [Economic Community of West African States] in resolving the Ivorian post-election conflict and call for their continued engagement in the overall political process that must be implemented as soon as possible.

The members of the Security Council call on the international community to urgently assist the affected population and refugees in Côte d’Ivoire and its neighbouring countries, especially Liberia, with effective humanitarian aid.

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For information media • not an official record