Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on Côte d'Ivoire

The Secretary-General takes note of the announcement made by President Gbagbo on 26 April that all candidates nominated by the parties signatory to the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement would be eligible for the Presidency in the upcoming national elections. This would be in accordance with the determination made by President Mbeki in this regard following the Pretoria Agreement signed by the Ivorian parties on 6 April 2005.

The Secretary-General welcomes this development while stressing that it is vital that the parties take all necessary steps to ensure that the elections are free, fair and transparent and conform to international standards. The Secretary-General once more urges the parties to implement their respective commitments under the Pretoria Agreement promptly, in good faith and without exception or reservation, in order to expeditiously move the peace process forward.