PRESS STATEMENT ON CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC BY SECURITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT

Following is the press statement on the Central African Republic by Security Council President Adolfo Aguilar Zinser (Mexico):

Members of the Council heard a briefing by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, General Lamine Cissé.

Members of the Council thanked the Special Representative of the
Secretary-General for his efforts in support of the political dialogue, of the process of national reconciliation and of the re-establishment of the rule of law in the Central African Republic.

While recalling their earlier condemnation of the March coup d’état, contained in the declaration of the President of the Security Council of 20 March, members of the Council nonetheless welcomed the political progress in the Central African Republic, the call for a national dialogue and the appointment of a Government of National Unity, including the nomination of a respected Prime Minister.

Members of the Council consider it indispensable that the authorities of the Central African Republic elaborate a plan for the national dialogue, including a time frame, and to hold elections as soon as possible.

They expressed the view that the resources currently available to the
United Nations’ Office can provide support to the political process, including assistance that will be required to prepare for the future general elections.

Members of the Council reiterated their full support for the action of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, General Cissé, at the head of the United Nations Peace-Building Office in the Central African Republic (BONUCA).  They further reiterated their support to the efforts of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC) and of the African Union.

They also invited the donor community to help in the reconstruction of the country.

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