25 February 2011 -- "The Secretary-General is deeply concerned by the deteriorating situation in Côte d'Ivoire, including the armed clashes in Abidjan, as well as the fighting in the west between Forces Nouvelles elements and forces loyal to Mr. Gbagbo. These developments mark a disturbing escalation which draws the country closer to the brink of reigniting civil war," according to a statement attributable to his spokesman.

"The Secretary-General also deplores the latest threats by Mr. Gbagbo's camp against the United Nations, including the recent call to impede the movement of peacekeepers in Abidjan beginning today. He demands an immediate end to such threats and to the ongoing obstruction of the activities of the peacekeepers, including their efforts to protect the civilian population.

The Secretary-General reiterates his call on both sides to exercise maximum restraint and to extend their cooperation to the African Union High-Level Panel. He hopes that the Panel will expedite its discussions and take decisions that will help prevent further violence and facilitate a peaceful settlement to the crisis.

The Secretary-General reminds both the instigators and the perpetrators of acts of violence against the civilian population and the peacekeepers that they will be held accountable for their actions under international law," the statement concluded.

New York
25 February 2011