Updated

The U.N. Security Council is welcoming the cease-fire agreement and peace deal in the Central African Republic that will allow President Francois Bozize to stay in office and let the opposition run the government.

The council emphasized the need for "expeditious implementation" of the agreements reached in Libreville, Gabon on Friday, and called on all parties "to implement them in good faith."

A rebel offensive stopped short of the capital and posed a grave threat to Bozize.

A council statement late Friday urged speedy access to all people in need of humanitarian assistance and immediate release of all civilians being held by armed groups.

Council members also demanded an immediate end to reported human rights violations including targeting ethnic minorities, recruitment and use of child soldiers, and sexual violence.