Urgency resolution adopted by the ELDR Party Congress in Bath (UK), on 18 October 2002

The ELDR Congress, meeting in Bath, in October 2002, Notes with concern the current situation in Côte d'Ivoire, where military representatives have intervened in the political arena, and where violence has resulted in the death and injury on many citizens. Notes especially the threat to life and security of political leaders and activists, in particular those members of our sister party, The Rallye des Républicains (RDR) including Dr Alassane Ouattara and Madame Diabate who are currently in hiding in fear for their lives. Notes that despite firm declarations by the leadership of the RDR of support for the legal Governement, President Laurent Gbagbo stigmatises the RDR as "rebel supporters" in order to wage an ethnocentric campaign. Notes the ongoing concerns over the politicisation of the concept of 'Ivoirite', including the continuing dispute which threatens to disbar Dr Alassane Ouatttara from standing for election. Congratulates Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade on his efforts to re-establish peace in Côte d'Ivoire.  

Calls for all member parties of ELDR to press for: All military personnel and forces to remain outside the political sphere, acting only in this arena to guarantee the safety of democratically elected representatives and institutions; The security of all political representatives and activists to be guaranteed, with a free and fair platform provided for political campaigning and elections; A common and effective response by the European Union to any attempt by President Gbagbo to further infringe human rights of the peoples of Côte d'Ivoire.