UN General Assembly
2004

peace and security throughout the African continent. Our determination in that respect is unequivocal. Such is the case in Côte d’Ivoire, where the peace process was relaunched at the Accra summit in July 2004. The same holds true for the decision of the African Union to play an active role in the resolution of the crises in Darfur, Burundi, Liberia, Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The support provided by the United Nations in those countries and the role played by the Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan, must be commended. Moreover, we welcome the prospects for a more effective contribution by the United Nations in the process of the reconstruction of Iraq and support for the political transition under way there. It is indeed vital for regional stability and for peace that Iraq once again become a normally functioning State with stable institutions. In the lengthy conflict between the State of Israel ad the Palestinian people, the restoration of lasting peace will be possible only at the negotiating table. It