UN's Ban meets with presidents of France and Rwanda

UNITED NATIONS: United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Sunday met with the President of France, Nicolas Sarkozy, during which he reaffirmed the UN's commitment to working closely with the Group of 20 industrialized and emerging economies to generate innovative financing for development.

During the meeting in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, Ban and Sarkozy also discussed the situation in Côte d'Ivoire, welcoming the decision by the African Union Peace and Security Council to set up a high-level panel to help resolve the political deadlock in the West African country.

Ban's spokesman said the Secretary-General expressed hope that a peaceful solution would be found soon that respects the will of the people of Côte d'Ivoire and the principles of the UN charter.

Commenting on the recent developments in Lebanon, Ban was concerned over the rising tensions there and the threats against the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, stating that the activities of the Special Tribunal should continue unimpeded, as it is carrying out an independent judicial process that cannot be stopped.

In addition, Ban also met with the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, and welcomed the collaboration between neighboring African States to bring an end to violence in the region.

Ban and Kagame discussed and agreed on the need for effective measures to bring an end to gender-based violence in conflict situations.

(BNO NEWS )