Security Council praises transitional process

The UN Security Council praised on Tuesday the establishment of a consensual management of the transitional period in the Central African Republic (CAR), which involves all political factions and civil society. Council President Inocencio Arias of Spain issued a statement after Lamine Cisse, the representative of the UN Secretary-General, briefed the 15-member council on the situation in the CAR and the activities of the UN Peace-building Support Office in the country, known by its French acronym, BONUCA. Arias said the council "noted with satisfaction" that the administration had opted for a consensual management of the transition period that CAR leader Francois Bozize had said would last until January 2005. Bozize came to power on 15 March when he ousted President Ange-Felix Patasse, after six months of fighting between rebels loyal to him and government forces. The council urged the Bozize administration to fulfil its commitment to organise an all-inclusive national dialogue and to adhere to the timetable agreed on for the return to constitutional rule, "especially the holding of presidential elections before the end of 2004". Arias said, "Members of the council expressed their concern at the continuing insecurity and human rights violations in the Central African Republic." The council said that the restructuring of the security forces, supported by BONUCA, the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) and France, and systematic disarmament, were essential for restoring security. "They insisted on the need for BONUCA to continue its inquiries into human rights violations and to continue to work to strengthen national capacities regarding the rule of law," Arias said. The council reiterated its support for the efforts made by CEMAC and the African Union towards the country's stabilisation, and urged UN member states to provide money and logistic support to the CEMAC force in the CAR. Arias said the council also urged donors to support the CAR administration "in order to bring about the return to constitutional order and a lasting peace".