Nouakchott — The High Level Panel for the Resolution of the Crisis in Côte d'Ivoire, established pursuant to the communiqué of the 259th meeting of the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU), held in Addis Ababa, on 28 January 2011, held its 3rd meeting in Nouakchott, on 4 March 2011. All members of the Panel participated in the meeting.
The Panel made an in-depth assessment of the situation in Côte d'Ivoire on the basis of the interactions it had notably with Their Excellencies Laurent Gbagbo and Alassane Dramane Ouattara, during its visit in Abidjan on 21 and 22 February 2011, as well as the developments that have taken place since that date.
The Panel noted with deep concern the tragic evolution of the situation in Côte d'Ivoire, in particular the increasing number of losses of human lives, as well as the escalation of the spirit of confrontation. The Panel reiterated AU's urgent appeal to the Ivorian parties to show utmost restraint, refrain from acts and steps likely to undermine the ongoing efforts, including the media campaigns inciting hatred and violence.
The Panel also called for an immediate end to killings and abuses that led to the loss of human lives, as well as demonstrations, marches and other activities likely to degenerate into disturbances and violence. It urged the parties to cease all forms of hostilities, and to lift the blockade of the Golf Hotel.
The Panel agreed to convene its next meeting, as soon as possible, at a date and venue to be announced shortly, in order to conclude the mandate entrusted to it by the Peace and Security Council. The Panel invites Their Excellencies Alassane Dramane Ouattara and Laurent Gbagbo, as well as the Chairman of the Constitutional Council of Côte d'Ivoire to participate in that meeting.
The High Level Panel is in contact with the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chairperson of the PSC for the month of March 2011, for this organ to convene, immediately after its fourth meeting, at a summit level, on the occasion of which it will submit a report on its activities and the results achieved.