Hanoi (VNA) – Ambassador Pham Hai Anh, Chargéd'Affaires of the Vietnamesemission to the UnitedNations has voiced concern about the security situation in CentralAfrican Republic before the upcoming general election, and condemnedactions harming the Peace Agreement in the country.

Addressing a closedmeeting of the UN Security Council on December 21 to discuss the securityinstability in the Central African Republic before the election, theVietnamese ambassador underlined the need to immediately put an end to hostileactions and promote dialogues to ensure the election takes place in peace.

At the meeting, UNUnder-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix delivered areport on the current tension in the country, including the escalatinginstability in areas near Bangui capital city due to hostile actions of armedgroups.

He also briefedparticipants on the operations of the UN Multidimensional Integrated StabilisationMission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), UN peacekeeping mission inthe country, in supporting the protection of stability and preparations for theelection, which is slated for December 27.

Following themeeting, the UN Security Council issued a press release strongly condemningactivities violating the Peace Agreement and calling on all sides toimmediately stop hostile actions and promote dialogue to create favourableconditions for the election.

The council expressedsupport of a free and fair election on December 27 on the foundation of plansunder the Constitution of the Central African Republic, while opposingactions hindering the process.

It also affirmed supportfor the assisting role of regional organisations such as the African Union, theEconomic Community of Central African States and the MINUSCA in ensuringsecurity and promoting dialogue among parties throughout the election.

The securitysituation in Central African Republic has seen certain progress,especially since the Peace Agreement was signed between the administration and14 armed groups. However, the country has consecutively faced securitychallenges due to violations of the Peace Agreement as well as politicaltension during the preparations for the election.

The MINUSCA, formedon the foundation of the UN Resolution 2149 in 2014, aims to protect civilians,support the peace process as well as law building and reform, and therenovation of security force, and deal with humanitarian challenges. Currently,eight Vietnamese officers are working at the MINUSCA./.