SECRETARY-GENERAL, IN MESSAGE, TELLS PEOPLE OF CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC 'YOU ARE NOT ALONE, MANY ARE WORKING FOR PEACE IN YOUR COUNTRY'

NEW YORK, February 24, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Following is UN Secretary-General's video/radio message to the people of the Central African Republic, in New York, 21 February:

Mbi bala ala kwe. So mbi Ban Ki-Moon, kota wa kwasu, ti kota bumbi ti béndo ti gigi. [This is Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations.]

I am here to express my solidarity and support for the people of the Central African Republic.

You are not alone. Many are working for peace in your country. I have appealed to the international community to do much more — more troops and police to protect people, more aid to save lives.

I am also appealing to you, the people of the Central African Republic: end the bloodshed; stop the killings; lay down your weapons.

Those committing violence are only dividing and destroying your beloved country. Muslims and Christians have built your country together. I know you will do so again.

I stand with you — and I pledge my full support for peace and reconciliation — justice and accountability — for all the people of the Central African Republic.