Annan appeals to parties to adhere to agreement

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has appealed to all parties in the Comoros to adhere to the Framework Agreement for Reconciliation which was signed on 17 February. A statement, issued by the Office of the Spokesman for the Secretary-General, said Annan was “concerned” by the decision of the Anjouanese party to suspend it participation in the follow-up mechanism which had been put in place by the agreement and called on the party to reconsider its decision. “He also appeals to all the parties in the Comoros to adhere to all the provisions of the Agreement and to comply with its implementation timetable,” the statement said. “The Agreement represents a unique opportunity to promote national reconciliation in the Comoros and to preserve its territorial integrity.” The statement said Annan commended the Organisation for African Unity (OAU) and its partners for the role they played in facilitating the signing of the agreement. “He reiterates the readiness of the United Nations to contribute to the reconstruction of the Comoros and the promotion of its democratic institutions, including assistance for the forthcoming elections,” the statement said.