Côte d’Ivoire / Statement Attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on the situation in Côte d’Ivoire
NEW YORK, December 19, 2010/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The Secretary-General is aware of statements by Mr. Gbagbo’s Spokesperson calling for the withdrawal of the UN Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI).
The international community has spoken with one voice regarding Mr. Gbagbo’s attempt to hold onto power. The statements issued by the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union in this regard have shown that the African Continent is united in its commitment to respect the democratically expressed will of the Ivorian people and have recognized Mr. Ouattara as the President-elect. These statements were endorsed by the Security Council. The Council will meet once again on Monday to discuss the situation in Côte d’Ivoire and the renewal of the Mission’s mandate, which is due to expire on 31 December 2010.
The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the attacks on a UN Patrol and sentries at UNOCI HQ perpetrated by elements of the Ivorian security forces apparently loyal to Mr. Gbagbo, and an attack on UN military observers by Young Patriots on Saturday, 18 December, which left two military observers wounded.
The Secretary-General reiterates the warning he issued on Friday that any attack on UN forces will be an attack on the international community and those responsible for these actions will be held accountable. Any continued actions obstructing and constricting UN operations are similarly unacceptable. UNOCI will fulfil its mandate and will continue to monitor and document any human rights violations, incitement to hatred and violence, or attacks on UN peacekeepers.
There will be consequences for those who have perpetrated or orchestrated any such actions or do so in the future.
New York, 18 December 2010
SOURCE
United Nations – Office of the Spokesperson of the Secretary-General
