16 December 2010 - Cote d’Ivoire - Press statement by the President of the Security Council

Following a briefing by Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Alain Le Roy and discussions in consultations:

The members of the Security Council are deeply concerned about the violence, in particular against civilians in Cote d’Ivoire, including reports of gunfire near the Golf Hotel. The members of the Security Council condemn in the strongest terms these acts of violence and are alarmed by reports of multiple civilian fatalities, many more wounded and even more are being displaced across Cote d’Ivoire. The members of the Security Council warn all stakeholders that they will be held accountable for attacks against civilians and will be brought to justice, in accordance with international law and international humanitarian law.

The members of the Security Council urge all Ivorian stakeholders to exercise maximum restraint, remain calm, resist provocative actions, refrain from violence, and work together to restore sustainable peace.

The members of the Security Council reiterate their support for the constructive role of the Secretary-General in Cote d’Ivoire and stress the important role that the United Nations Operation in Cote d’Ivoire (UNOCI), under the leadership of his Special Representative, continues to play under its existing mandate.

The members of the Security Council welcome efforts by the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and countries in the region to assit in preserving peace and stability in Côte d’Ivoire.

The members of the SC recall their last statement on Côte d’Ivoire on December 8 and urge all parties to respect the will of the people and the outcome of the election.PRESS STAT

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