Statement / by the President of the Security Council

Statement [made on behalf of the Security Council, at the 4793rd meeting, 25 July 2003, in connection with the Council's consideration of the item entitled "The situation in Côte d'Ivoire"]

Reiterates the need for Ivorian political forces to implement fully and without delay all the provisions of the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement, as well as those of the agreement signed in Accra on 8 Mar. 2003 ("Accra II"), with a view to open, free and transparent elections being held in 2005; emphasizes, however, that much remains to be done to achieve the full implementation of the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement; endorses the recommendations of its mission to West Africa; renews its support and encouragement to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Côte d'Ivoire; asks him to keep the Council closely informed of developments towards the full implementation of the above objectives; is pleased that the UN Mission in Côte d'Ivoire is now operational and hopes it will soon be fully staffed, including in such crucial areas as the political and human rights components; reiterates its full support for the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States and France in contributing to a peaceful solution to the crisis; invites donor countries to contribute to the reconstruction of Côte d'Ivoire in compliance with the commitments undertaken at Kleber; expresses its concern at the continued existence of regional factors of instability, particularly the use of mercenaries and child soldiers, and the spread of small arms and light weapons which prevent a lasting solution to the crisis in the region.

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