Statement [made on behalf of the Security Council, at the 4857th meeting, 13 Nov. 2003, in connection with the Council's consideration of the item entitled "The situation in Côte d'Ivoire"]

Urges all Ivorian political forces to implement fully, without delay or precondition all the provisions of the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement as well as those of the agreement reached in Accra on 8 Mar. 2003 ("Accra II") with a view to open, free and transparent elections being held in Côte d'Ivoire in 2005; emphasizes the urgent need to begin reforming land law and electoral rules, restore public services and the authority of the State throughout the territory of Côte d'Ivoire, and end the use of mercenaries and the illicit purchase of weapons in violation of national laws; condemns firmly the grave human rights violations; further condemns the murder of a French journalist on 21 Oct. in Abidjan; further condemns the hostile acts against UN personnel in Bouaké and Man on 24 and 25 Oct., and recalls that all the parties are obliged, by resolution 1479 (2003), to cooperate with the special political mission established by the Security Council, the UN Mission in Côte d'Ivoire, and to ensure freedom of movement of its personnel; reiterates its full support for the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States, France and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General with a view to stabilizing the country and seeking a peaceful settlement of the conflict.

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