Annan condemns 'hate media'
2004-11-11 22:13
New York - United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan blamed "hate media" on Thursday for fuelling the political violence in the troubled Ivory Coast and appealed to all parties for calm.
The African nation's airwaves have been rife with anti-French and other angry sentiment in the past few days amid an explosion of riots and bloodshed in the former French colony.
The unrest began after a government bombing on rebel positions left nine French peacekeepers dead.
France retaliated by destroying almost the entire Ivorian air force, setting off unrest that has left about 170 people dead.
Annan's spokesperson said: "The secretary-general deeply regrets the loss of life that has occurred in the wake of the recent violent events.
Resurgence of ethnic conflict
"In this regard, he condemns the use of hate media which is fuelling the tensions, xenophobia and inciting violent acts.
"He reminds all concerned that they may be held accountable for their acts, in conformity with international criminal, human rights and humanitarian law.
"The secretary-general reiterates his appeal to the authorities to do everything possible to prevent the devastating resurgence of ethnic conflict and urgently take all necessary measures to put an end to violence against innocent civilians and destruction of property."
- SAPA