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Security Council urges dialogue in Central African Republic; concerned over Darfur

7 July 2006 – While urging the authorities and all sides in the impoverished Central African Republic to settle their disputes through dialogue, the United Nations Security Council today also expressed “serious concern” about the possible impact of persisting violence in Darfur and the deteriorating relations between Chad and Sudan.

The Council called on the Central African authorities to continue their efforts to improve public finances and governance, and urged bilateral partners and international institutions to increase their support for efforts to alleviate the country’s increasing poverty and provide all necessary humanitarian assistance.

“The members of the Security Council called on the Central African authorities and all political parties to settle their disputes through peaceful means and dialogue, and to work for peace and national cohesion in full respect of human rights and rule of law,” the 15-Member body said through a press statement read out by its President for July, Ambassador Jean-Marc de la Sablière of France.

“They urged the Central African authorities to put an end to impunity by bringing to justice those responsible for violations of human rights. The members of the Security Council expressed serious concern that the persisting violence in Darfur and the deterioration of relations between Chad and Sudan might further negatively affect the security and stability of the Central African Republic.”

The Council also reiterated respect for the territorial integrity of the Central African Republic and “called on all States in the region to cooperate in ensuring regional stability.”

In a report issued on Monday, Mr. Annan said stability in the Central African Republic is threatened by new rebel movements in the northern part of the country, the situation in neighbouring Chad and tension with Sudan.

He also noted that the humanitarian situation had deteriorated sharply over the past few months particularly in the north-west, where civilians have fled their villages, some crossing into Chad, as a result of insecurity created by the armed rebel movements, attacks by robbers and reprisals by the armed forces.

Mr. Annan stressed that the Central African authorities must take primary responsibility for the stability of the country, but added that an approach involving countries in the area is crucial. “I will therefore have to continue my contacts, through my Special Representative, with leaders of the subregion in order to help them in their efforts to achieve lasting stability in their region with the support of the international community,” he said.