A top United Nations official on Monday said the challenges facing the peace process in the Central African Republic (CAR) can be overcome with the help of the UN.

“The problems are huge, but I am convinced the UN can help to move them to a solution.” said Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs B. Lynn Pasco at a meeting of the Security Council.

Pasco said he was able to see the impact of years of instability and insecurity in the country during his recent visit to the CAR.

“But I also heard words that reflected the profound faith that the Government and people of the country had in the United Nations, which they saw as a reliable partner for the realization of their aspirations for a better future,” he said.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs on Monday warned of increasing violence in the northeastern CAR, highlighting in particular attacks on the town of Birao.

Last December, a national dialogue was held in the capital Bangui, bringing together the Government, non-armed opposition, rebel groups and civil society.

The dialogue resulted in a number of peace agreements, including the establishment of a broad-based government, a commitment to hold municipal, legislative and presidential elections in 2009 and 2010, and the setting up of an independent electoral commission.

In his recent report on the CAR, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon named poverty reduction, the holding of legislative and presidential elections in 2010, and the implementation of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of ex-fighters as important challenges.

Source: Xinhua