Story by:thewillnigeria.com
UN SECRETARY GENERAL, MR BAN KI MOON.
SAN FRANCISCO, October 11, (THEWILL) – The United Nations has commended Nigeria for abiding by the ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which ceded the disputed Bakassi peninsula to Cameroun.
UN Secretary General, Mr. Ban Ki Moon in a statement signed by Olajumoke Araba of the United Nations Information Center in Lagos, to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the ICJ ruling applauded Nigeria and Cameroun for peacefully resolving the border dispute, adding that both countries “have provided a positive example for countries around the world facing similar challenges.”
The full text of the statement reads, “The Secretary-General commends the commitment of the governments of both countries to honour the obligations of the ruling. He also congratulates the Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission for the commendable efforts it has made in implementing the ICJ ruling.
The success of the Commission is an embodiment of an innovative approach to conflict resolution. By peacefully resolving their border dispute, Cameroon and Nigeria have provided a positive example for countries around the world facing similar challenges.
The Secretary-General stresses the importance of addressing the socio-economic, humanitarian and security needs of the populations affected by the demarcation process, including in the Bakassi area. He also highlights the importance of implementing confidence-building measures and fostering cross-border cooperation.
Finally, he encourages both countries to reach an early agreement on the remaining 200 kilometres of land boundary in order to conclude the demarcation process.
The Secretary-General reiterates the commitment of the United Nations to continue its support to Cameroon and Nigeria in implementing the ICJ ruling through the Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission and the Follow-up Committee on the Green tee Agreement related to the Bakassi peninsula, both chaired by the United Nations.”