Cote d’Ivoire / SCR 1865
ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire, January 29, 2009/African Press Organization (APO)/ — French ministry of Foreign Affairs Daily Press Briefing
France applauds the January 27 unanimous adoption of SCR 1865, which extends the mandate of the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire
(UNOCI) for a duration of six months, and that of the French forces that support it. In accordance with recommendations by the Secretary-General, this resolution foresees a reduction in UNOCI manpower, so as to take account of the improved security situation in the Ivory Coast and progress in the implementation of the Ouagadougou Accords. By July 31, the resolution plans for reexamination of the criteria for manpower reduction proposed by the Secretary-General.
Nevertheless, the Security Council expresses its strong concern about the delays in the election process and asks the country’s parties, notably the Independent Electoral Commission, to quickly establish and publish a new, realistic timetable for the next elections, and to hold to it.
In this perspective, we encourage all players to redouble their efforts so that such measures may be completed in the timeframe announced by the Independent Electoral Commission, that is to say by February 28, 2009, and so that necessary pre-election steps may be taken, such as the establishment of electoral lists, the creation and distribution of voting cards, and the securing and equipping of polling stations. The organization of free, open, just, and democratic elections in 2009 remains a fundamental objective for all.
SCR 1865 reaffirms the importance of the certification of the electoral process in all its steps by Special Representative of the Secretary-General Choi, with whom Bernard Kouchner recently met in Paris to renew France’s support.
The resolution also encourages all parties to rapidly implement the Fourth Supplementary Accord to Ouagadougou, signed under the aegis of Burkina Faso facilitator Blaise Compaoré. The reorganization of the administration in the country’s north, and the reestablishment of consolidated will signify the reunification of the country. It is an important step toward a lasting solution to the Ivory Coast crisis.
SOURCE : France – Ministry of Foreign Affairs
