Resolution on the Crisis in Côte d'Ivoire
Dakar was the venue of the SI Africa Committee, 12-13 July 2004
Original: French
The Socialist International Africa Committee meeting in Dakar on 12 -13 July 2004,
Considering the close relationship between democracy on one hand and economic, social and cultural progress on the other;
Considering that, without peace, democratic culture can neither advance nor take root in our societies;
Considering that the use of violence and its legitimisation constitute an obstacle to the process of democratisation and can compromise peace and the economic and social development of a country in the long term;
Considering that the deadlocked peace process in Côte d’Ivoire is completely destroying the efforts in favour of unifying the country and is prolonging senselessly the anguish and suffering of the Ivorian people and the West African sub-region;
Considering the contribution of the Ivorian Popular Front and President Laurent Gbagbo to bring about and consolidate democracy in Côte d’Ivoire and their initiatives in favour of national reconciliation,
Considering the previous resolutions adopted by the Socialist International on the situation in Côte d’Ivoire, notably the declaration of the Africa Committee at its meeting in Abidjan on 18 October 2002;
1. Calls on all parties concerned to conform to the Linas-Marcoussis Agreements;
2. Reaffirms its commitment to constitutional legality and to the respect of the institutions of the Republic, principles that are contained in these agreements, the aim of which is the return of peace in Côte d’Ivoire;
3. Expresses its deep concern at the deadlock of the government of national reconciliation and, on one hand, calls on the President of the Republic to facilitate the resumption of its activities and, on the other hand, urges the G7 members to respect the principle of governmental solidarity;
4. Condemns all acts of defiance and violence which compromise peace and national reconciliation;
5. Invites all parties to demonstrate their responsibility and the spirit of moving forward to work for disarmament, the reunification of the country and the preparation of general elections in 2005, as laid out in the Linas-Marcoussis Agreements;
6. Strongly hopes that the Accra III Conference brings solutions, respecting the needs of democracy and the sovereignty of the Ivorian people;
7. Reiterates its support for the people of Côte d’Ivoire and its solidarity with the Ivorian Popular Front and the President of the Republic, Laurent Gbagbo;
8. Hopes that a mission of the Socialist International will be sent to Abidjan to help implement this resolution.
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