6 December 2000
The Department of Foreign Affairs remains concerned over the situation in the Côte d'Ivoire and takes note of the new outbreak of violence on Monday, 4 October 2000 in Abidjan, as well as the declaration of a nationwide curfew and state of emergency by the Ivorian authorities. The Department condemns the latest outbreak of political violence, deplores the resultant loss of life and injury caused and calls for calm by all parties concerned.
The exclusion of opposition leader, Alassane Ouatarra on Thursday, 30 November 2000, by the Ivorian Supreme Court as candidate in the forthcoming legislative elections has regrettably not contributed to achieving the high ideals of peace, prosperity, tolerance and true democracy the Côte d'Ivoire and its people so richly deserve.
The Department of Foreign Affairs reiterates that all inclusive free and fair legislative elections is the only way forward for the country to regain its regional economic stature through internationally recognised democratic practice.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT DUMISANI RASHELENG
OFFICE NO. (012) 351 0067 / 0128
CELL NO. 083 709 8166
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
P/B X152
Pretoria