General Secretariat of the ACP Group

Brussels, 18 March 2003

Declaration by the ACP Group on the situation in Central African Republic

ACP Group strongly condemns coup d’état in the Central African Republic

The African, Caribbean, and Pacific Group of States strongly condemns the coup d’état against the democratically elected President of the Central African Republic, on Saturday 16 March 2003, and the ensuing acts of violence.

The Group reaffirms its commitment to the rule of law and democratic principles, as well as its condemnation of the accession to power by unconstitutional means, as enshrined inter alia in the provisions of the ACP-EU Partnership Agreement signed in Cotonou on 23 June 2000.

Firm in its conviction that political crises should be resolved through dialogue, the ACP Group reiterates its support for national and regional initiatives aimed at finding a lasting solution that involves stakeholders from within the Central African Republic.

The ACP Group supports the position expressed on 17 March 2003 by the Central Organ for conflict prevention and resolution of the African Union, and reaffirms its willingness to contribute to any efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability to the Central African Republic in line with democratic principles.