The Secretary-General met this morning with Nicolas Sarkozy, President of France, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The Secretary-General reaffirmed the commitment of the United Nations to work closely with the G20, in particular with regards to generating innovative financing for development.

Regarding the situation on Côte d'Ivoire, the Secretary-General and President Sarkozy welcomed the decision of the AU Peace and Security Council of 28 January. The Secretary-General expressed the hope that a peaceful solution would be found soon, respecting the will of the people and the principles of the UN charter.

Commenting on the developments in Lebanon, the Secretary-General voiced his concerns about the rising tensions and the threats against the Special Tribunal for Lebanon. He stated that the activities of the Special Tribunal should continue unimpeded, as it is carrying out an independent judicial process that cannot be stopped.

Finally, regarding Haiti, the Secretary-General expressed his strong hope that the Government would accept the recommendations of the OAS regarding the presidential elections. He also assured the President that the UN was working hard to stem the cholera epidemic.